It may seem a little shallow to ponder the fate of Chile's wine industry in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. However, in many of the regions around the epicentre of the quake, wine is the leading industry and critical to economic recovery. Many wineries have reported broken tanks and millions of litres of wine lost. It wasn't just stored wine that was affected. Roads and bridges are down and the electricity needed to process the grapes has been cut off. The Chilean wine industry faces stern challenges in the weeks and months ahead. Here are three wines worth your attention this month.

1. Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon blanc 2009 (€9.99)

An Irish connection in Bernardo O'Higgins, the Irish-Chilean freedom fighter who, with 120 of his compatriots hid out in the cellars of Santa Rita. Think of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with the volume turned down. Zippy and zesty.

With food? As an aperitif or with light fish dishes.

Availability: Dunnes, Tesco and wine shops nationwide.

2. Santa Alicia Reserva carmenere (€9.69)

No mention of Chilean wine would be complete without reference to Carmènere, the adopted native grape. Rich yet smooth cherries and chocolate with gorgeous long-lasting flavours. Santa Alicia won Chilean winery of the year in 2007 and it's easy to see why.

With food? Beef, venison or other dark, rich meats.

Availability: Curiouswines.ie

3. Casa Lapostolle cuvee Alexander Merlot 2004 (€23.99)

Rich plums, blackcurrant, chocolate and spices. Voluptuous, rounded and rewarding. Made by Wine Enthusiast magazine's New World Winery of the Year 2009. Open and decant for a few hours before drinking.

With food? Steak

Availability: Comans, Rathgar; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; O'Briens

Lar Veale runs Irish wine blog, sourgrapes.ie