Cool-climate wines made from experimental varieties could be the next big thing for Chile – but a strong marketing message is needed if the wines are ever to gain a loyal following in the UK.

Among the trials taking place in the up-and-coming northern regions of Elqui and Limarí are plantings of Pinot Noir, Malbec and Sangiovese for red wines, and Riesling, Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel for the whites.

But the challenge Chilean producers face is how to communicate the differences between its regions to the UK trade, according to Tabali's commercial director Raul Beckdorf. "We need to start putting more emphasis on location," he said.

"The term Limarí is much more important on the label than Chile," agreed Tamaya's commercial director Diego Callejas. At the estate, Sangiovese and Malbec are being developed for their potential as single varietal wines, rather than as blending components, and the producer is set to release the first ever 100% Malbec from Limarí in March.

Last month Harpers' features editor Laura Heywood had the chance to visit Chile and see for herself the cool-climate wines coming out of these emerging valleys. Watch the video here.

* You can read a full write up from the Wines of Chile-organised trip to Elqui, Limarí, Santiago, Maipo and Colchagua in Harpers, published on February 15.