The big Chilean switch has happened, just as we predicted last Spring, writes John Brophy. At the bi-centenary tasting of wines (Chile celebrated 200 years of independence in September) the red wines showed large in the newly-promoted grape variety Carmenere. It makes a softer, more rounded red that Cab Sauvignon, about half-way to Merlot. The Chileans are proud to have identified it, using DNA equipment. A parallel story in the whites can be found where Sauvignon Blanc has come to rival Chardonnay. So it will compete with New Zealand and Australia.