Matthew Clark backs Chile and Rhône in the on-trade

Matthew Clark  sees Chile and the Rhône as the two big winners in the UK on-trade in 2010.  

The company, which has replaced around 200 wines from its list of 1,200 this year, has signed on-trade exclusivity deals with Concha y Toro, Cono Sur and Maycas del Limarí, and has launched a new range of entry-level wines in the UK from Luis Felipe Edwards.

Speaking at Matthew Clark's London tasting this week, purchasing director for New World wine, Tony Allen, told harpers.co.uk: "Purity and freshness are the strengths of Chile. The wines are so natural, there is less need for acidification, and the natural balance of the wines is key, especially where food is involved."

Regarding Australia, Allen said that winemakers were finally taking notice of consumers and beginning to produce "lighter styles with lower alcohol levels and less oak".

South African Chenin is a "shoe-in" for most UK wine lists, although its Sauvignon Blancs are still being kept out by those from Chile and New Zealand.

Allen said the current trend for shorter wine lists was mixed blessing for countries like Argentina where whilst Malbec is still popular, varieties such as Torrontés are struggling.

Simon Jerrome, who sources Old World wines for Matthew Clark, added that despite the strong Euro, the company is listing more Burgundy, and that he has high hopes for wines from the south of France, particularly the Rhône.

He said: "The Rhône could be the saviour of France. 2007 and 2009 were both wonderful vintages, and Côtes du Rhône is a really good drink at the moment. France does blends fantastically well - not all countries can say that."