This week our focus turned to the Southern Hemisphere, Chile in particular. Chile came onto the wine scene in the sixteenth century with the introduction of European grapes brought by Spanish missionaries to sustain wine production for Catholic mass. By the early 1800's French influence on the wine region began producing wonderfully complex wines. Chile is the only wine region in the world to have never seen an outbreak of Phylloxera, so while the vineyards of Europe were being decimated by the parasite, Chile was able to help preserve the world of wine from extinction.
2012 Anderra Sauvignon Blanc
100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the Curico and Maule Valleys in Chile.
This is a playful youthful wine. It has a wonderful citrus nose, with a hint of grass. The palate is refreshing with a crisp acidity with a long finish of minerality.
Pair with cheese, salads, and sushi. Drink now.
"Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s vision was to produce Chilean wines that would meet his exacting quality standards while exemplifying the unique character and terroir of the region. Anderra combines the distinguishing feature of Chilean topography, the ANDes Mountains, with the exceptional terroir of Maipo Valley (tiERRA means “land” in Spanish) to create wines with distinct personality." - Anderra
2011 Haras Estate Chardonnay
100% Chardonnay
Fresh and floral with nice body. The nose is citrus with white flowers, the palate is a robust and juicy acidity with pineapple and orange peel.
Pair with chicken, strong cheeses, pasta. Drink now.
"A partnership between the Matte family of Chile and the Antinori family of Italy, Haras produces a variety of exceptional wines from its 1480-acre estate and winery in Chile's Upper Maipo Valley. Home to a legendary thoroughbred breeding farm, Haras is committed to creating an ideal environment for both wine grapes and young horses, and is a leader among South American wineries in implementing sustainable and organic viticultural and winemaking practices." - Haras Estate
2012 Anderra Cabernet Sauvignon100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes harvested from the Maule, Maipo and Rapel Valleys in Central Chile.
The Bordeaux vinification method is used in creating this vibrant wine. This wine is fruit-forward and youthful, ruby red in color, with a nose of berries and spices. The palate is full bodied with smooth tannins. A great everyday wine!
Pair with red meat, meat sauces, stew. Ready to drink.
2012 Anderra Carmenere
100% Carmenere. Carmenere is to Chile what Malbec is to Argentina, and they certainly got it right. This is my wine of the week due to its complexity and overall drinkability.
Blackberry notes open up to strawberry and cherry with a hint of spice. The palate is complex starting with warm vanilla oak and moving to a sweet fruit finish.
Pair with savory dishes, stews, ribs. Ready to drink, but I will be interested to revisit this wine in a few years.
No comments:
Post a Comment