Event

The Wine Cabinet

Chile

15 March 2016

Chile has a long viticultural history for a New World wine region dating to the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors brought Vitis vinifera vines with them as they colonized the region. In the mid-19th century, French wine varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère and Cabernet Franc were introduced. In the early 1980s, a renaissance began with the introduction of stainless steel fermentation tanks and the use of oak barrels for aging.

Wine exports grew very quickly as quality wine production increased. The number of wineries has grown from 12 in 1995 to over 70 in 2005. Reasons for this sudden expansion vary in significance, but all are essential to understanding Chilean wine culture. The largest factor, and arguably most prominent, relates to the large amount of French families immigrating to Chile during the late 20th century. The French were able to share their fine tastes and experience with the native Chileans, expanding their knowledge of the wine world. Chile is now the fifth largest exporter of wines in the world, and the ninth largest producer. The climate has been described as midway between that of California and France. The most common grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère. So far Chile has remained free of phylloxera louse which means that the country's grapevines do not need to be grafted. - WikiPedia

 The Wines!!

Cousino-Macul Sauvignon Gris $15.99: 100% Sauvignon Gris. This is a wine with a bright and clean pale yellow in the company of slight greenish reflections. It has a medium to high aromatic intensity which highlights fresh fruit aromas such as peach, pineapple and lime, mixed with soft aromas of white flowers. The palate is enveloping and feels soft and elegant with a sparkling acidity that balances well with the fruit flavors. Long and juicy finish.

Cousino-Macul Antiguas Chardonnay $18.99:  Given its large structure, it could be paired with seafood fettuccine sauce, grilled fatty fish such as grouper, tuna and salmon, accompanied by sautéed vegetables and nuts with crab sauce. a small percentage of the juice is fermented in new French oak barrels and matures in them for about 6 months. The remaining mixture is fermented in stainless steel in order to enhance the fruit flavors of this strain..

Leyda Pinot Noir, Lot 21 $41.99: Our devotion for Pinot Noir is reflected in this unique wine. This delicate Pinot Noir is complex and elegant, with fine aromas of strawberry, cherry, orange peel and herbs, which combines perfectly with oak. Red berries, fresh and sweets are the first flavors in the palate, then cherries and soft tannins which linger in a long and persistent finish. 92 pts. WA

 Cousino-Macul Antiguas Cabernet Sauvignon $16.99: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. With an intense ruby red color, its bouquet is clear and fruity, with a perfect balance between fruit and French oak, where prunes, blackberries and spicy notes outstand. To the palate it is pleasant and with great presence of ripe red and black fruits; it presents medium acidity, rounded tannins and a long ending.

Pangea Syrah, Apalta Vineyard 2010 $74.99:   matured in 40% new French oak barrels for some 20 months. 2010 could be considered a classical vintage, fresh, but it's always warm in the summer in Apalta. The fruit is perfectly ripe and seems to take the aromas of oak well, which are well married with notes of olives and some smoky bacon. The palate is medium to full-bodied with abundant, fine-grained, dusty tannins. A classical and serious Syrah. 1,600 bottles produced. 91 pts. WA – Dec 2015 Early

Cousino-Macul Finis Terrae $27.99: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The power of the fruit is so enjoyable. It has a massive array of flavors and awesome intensity but the thing that really finishes the wine off is the creamy layers and smooth mouth feel. It is voluptuous and sweet with multi layered fruit, chocolate, and fresh plum - a complete flavor spectrum. 91Pts  WA

Cousino-Macul Lota Red 2008 $89.99: shows a deep dark red color, almost black, with violet strokes, due to the youth of this wine. This wine displays complex aromas of blackberry and plum fruit with a generous amount of cassis and hints of cedar and baking spices. Full-bodied with elegant tannins, it shows luscious flavours of blackberry, currant, cocoa, soy and sweet oak spices. The solid core of delicious concentrated black fruits is framed by light toasty oak and ripe tannin. The supple and seamless theme continues into the long, ultrasmooth finish. 93Pts  WS