John Wilson: Upmarket wines from Ireland’s best-selling Santa Rita producer

Wines for the Weekend: Chilean wines can be found in Tesco, Dunnes and SuperValu

Santa Rita's Medalla Real range
Santa Rita's Medalla Real range

Ireland’s best-selling wine is the Santa Rita 120 sauvignon blanc, but the Chilean producer also makes some good more upmarket wines. Their flagship Casa Real sells for around €100 a bottle. In between Casa Real and the 120 range is Medalla Real (royal medal) a range of wines from specific regions of Chile. They can offer good value when on promotion.

John Wilson 0812 Medalla Real Chardonnay
John Wilson 0812 Medalla Real Chardonnay

Santa Rita Medalla Real Chardonnay 2018, Limarí, Chile

Plump ripe textured peaches and pears with a refreshing finish. This would go well with salmon or chicken dishes and would be ideal with your Christmas smoked salmon and turkey. Available from Dunnes Stores and Tesco for €12, down from €15.

John Wilson 0812 Medalla Real Chardonnay
John Wilson 0812 Medalla Real Chardonnay

Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Alto Maipo, Chile

Rounded ripe cassis and blackcurrant fruits with mint and a touch of spice. Perfect with roast beef, lamb, or pepperonata. €15 down to €12-12.50 from Tesco, SuperValu.