I was recently invited by Wines of Chile to take part in a tasting of coastal Chilean white wines. Provided to sample were eight wines – five Sauvignon Blancs, three Chardonnays, from four distinct valleys in Chile.
- Casa Silva Cool Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Colchagua Valley
- Los Vascos Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Casablanca Valley
- Cono Sur Visión Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Casablanca Valley
- Viña Casablanca Nimbus Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Casablanca Valley
- Veramonte Ritual Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Casablanca Valley
- Santa Rita Medalla Real Chardonnay 2010 Leyda Valley
- De Martino Legado Reserva Chardonnay 2010 Limarí Valley
- Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2009 Limarí Valley
In addition to the wine, also provided were recipes from chef Nissa Pierson – Citrus Shrimp Ceviche with Avocadoes & Lemon Thyme Pesto Drizzle to pair with the Sauvignon Blanc – Pan Roasted Bass with Tropical Mango Salsa and Coconut Cilantro Rice to pair with Chardonnay.
Tasting in Progress
The format of the tasting was live video feed with simultaneous webcast of the 8 winemakers in Chile and of moderator, Fred Dexheimer MS in New York. It was a very interesting evening of interaction between the bloggers, winemakers, and Fred – lots of information and ideas were exchanged.
The tasting progressed from Sauvignon Blanc to Chardonnay. The wines are very diverse, each one unique based on terroir and winemakers touch. Although I enjoyed each of them, the two wines that spoke most to me was the Los Vascos Sauvignon Blanc and the De Martino Chardonnay.
Los Vascos Sauvignon Blanc
Casablanca Valley
2011
13.0% ABV | Price: $14
In 1988, Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) purchased Los Vascos; vineyards were replanted and the winery modernized. Estate fruit includes Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon – Sauvignon Blanc is sourced through long term contracts. Casablanca is a cool climate valley with maritime influence, foggy mornings – ideal for leaner, restrained, complex wines.
100% Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit is picked, sorted, then cold soaked for a few hours – pressed and slowly fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled low temperatures. Color is pale yellow/straw, aromas and flavor of grapefruit, peach, honeysuckle, mineral. Ample acidity, well balanced, long citrus/mineral finish. Beautiful wine for $14.
De Martino Chardonnay, Legado Reserva
Limari Valley
2010
13.5% ABV | Price: $16
In 1934, Pietro De Martino bid farewell to Italy and settled in Maipo Valley, Chile. Still operated by the De Martino family today, the winery has implemented many advances such as carbon neutrality and large scale organic wine production. This progress has been recognized by the Wines of Chile association who bestowed them with “Winery of the Year” designation in 2011.
Limari Valley is a semi-arid region with coastal influences – fog in the mornings, bright sun in the afternoons, only 4 inches of rain per year. Soil is primarily clay, silt, and chalk – which directly translates to perception of minerality in the wine. Grapes for this wine were picked, pressed, fermented, and stored on its lees in French oak barrels for 11 months. The wine bottles used are made from recycled materials.
Aromas and flavors of baked apple, caramel/butterscotch, and mineral. Smooth, creamy (from lees aging), lively acidity. Medium length finish of pear and stone. Very nice Chardonnay, terrific value.
With the weather heating up, grab a bottle or two of Chilean whites – I’m sure you’ll also be impressed.
