'Chateau Pinochet' launched as tipple of the Tories

Tory activists are launching a range of own-brand wines, and one of them is a Chilean sauvignon already nicknamed "Chateau Pinochet."

Tory activists are launching a range of own-brand wines, and one of them is a Chilean sauvignon already nicknamed "Chateau Pinochet."

The Tories packed a rally led by Baroness Thatcher last year in support of the former Chilean dictator. This year they are being offered bottles of Chilean red, one of the own-label wines.

MPs from other parties said the decision to choose a Chilean red, instead of a French vintage, spoke volumes about the political instincts of the Conservative Party.

"This Tory wine is clearly not to be recommended. It has a particularly unpleasant vintage and leaves a nasty taste in the mouth," said Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes. "I wouldn't have sent General Pinochet back, but I would send this wine back."

The club is offering Tory associations tastings of its red wine, which carries the crest of the Conservative clubs and is described in promotional material as having "a full fruit flavour".

Former ministers, including Lord Lamont of Lerwick, led the fight to prevent General Pinochet being extradited to Spain where he was facing trial for crimes against humanity.