For the month of February we are featuring wines from Chile.
These are not wines we've had before, therefore unique to this wine release. Last week Kim highlighted the Arboleda Carmenre and this week I have three more of the six wines we received for this event.
Carignan
Oveja Negra (203695)
Chile
$16.97
The Carignan grape has its origins in Spain but today more is grown in Southern France and has found its way to the New World.
Though often used in a blended wine, we occasionally see it on our shelves as a single varietal wine.
The 2009 Oveja Negra from the Maule Valley of Chile is the most recent one.
This deep purple wine has aromas of red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, but certainly isn't jammy at all.
The bouquet is integrated with a complexity of fruit, spice and a touch of oak. This complexity carries through to the pallet in a full-bodied wine with a lingering finish.
I think this is one of those wines you could call elegant, delivering layers of flavour. If I were serving this with a meal, it would be something less heavy than beef so try roasted pork loin or chicken.
This bottle is $16.97 and should be experienced if you're looking for something a little different.
Syrah
Torres Santa Digna Reserve (643106)
Chile
$17.99
With its roots in Spain the Miguel Torres winery has been family owned for over four generations and began its winemaking efforts in Chile around 1979.
The 2010 Santa Digna Reserve Syrah is a wine that is Fair Trade certified and produced using sustainable practices. In the glass you'll find this red wine to be quite a dense purple with aromas of black ripe berries, a little black pepper and oak.
Ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry dominate but there is that hint of currant, undoubtedly coming from the small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon in the mix.
On the palate, this full-bodied wine is full of the same flavours that were present on the nose with a decently long toasted oak and peppery finish.
At $17.99, this wine would be great with grilled beef or spicy pasta sauce.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Riberas Gran Reserva (763177)
Chile
$19.99
With history dating back to 1883, Concha Y Toro has become the largest wine producer in South America. With vineyards in most of Chile's wine making regions they have the ability to take advantage of the best terroir.
The Serie Riberas Gran Reserva 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from an area close to the Pacific Ocean.
The sub-zone of the Colchagua Valley called Marchique provides cooler growing conditions allowing long and slow ripening
conditions for the grapes.
This terroir certainly works for this wine and makes it easy to recommend.
As you might expect, the colour of this wine is a dense purple but with red or garnet highlights. The aromas are bountiful and inviting, with ripe black fruits such as
cherry and currant.
In addition, there are touches of oak, coffee, chocolate and vanilla.
This wine is even more pleasing in the mouth with its rich fruit flavours and balanced tannins and acidity.
It has a long and interesting finish. Hints of coffee and chocolate are present but separate and
distinct.
A wine this complex and full-bodied offers good value at $19.99.
I enjoyed it on its own but will keep it in mind the next time I grill a big beef steak.
