Savvy wine buys: Santa Rita Merlot ‘00

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003 | 8:20 a.m.

In 1814 during Chile's struggle for independence from the Spanish Crown, 120 soldiers led by General O'Higgins sought refuge in the cellars of Santa Rita. The wine industry there has thrived ever since.

Chile's warm, dry climate is ideal for merlot, and the labor force in that country works for considerably less than those in Europe or California, which means great bang for the buck. This is a soft, accessible wine with gentle tannins and gobs of dark fruit. It's a deep ruby color, and it tastes faintly of plums and spice, a wonderful wine for game, red meat or cheese.

Available at Cost Plus and Trader Joe's Markets, $8.99.

-- Max Jacobson

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