Wine With Wanda

Chapoutier for the Holidays!

Add some ooh la la to the holidays with the wines of M.Chapoutier! I’m a big fan of Chapoutier’s elegant, terroir-driven, and authentic wines; they always add a bit of magic to meals and time together with friends and family.

I took this photo of Michel Chapoutier when we met in 2018. 

The Chapoutier family has been making wine in the Rhône Valley since 1808, but 1990 was a turning point in their history. With the bold visionary Michel Chapoutier at the helm, the family winery became a trailblazing powerhouse. Under Michel’s leadership, Chapoutier introduced Single Vineyard Selection wines that express the unique terroir of a site. To ensure that visually impaired wine lovers could access the information on his wine labels, Chapoutier began embossing their labels in braille. Also, since 1990, the Maison M. CHAPOUTIER has been unwavering in their commitment to practicing biodynamic viticulture. Care for the land and concern for others doesn’t just drive Chapoutier to make great wine, but to make a difference. 

I’ll be adding some ooh la la to the holidays with two Chapoutier wines.

Les Meysonniers Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2019 ($45) is 100% Marsanne from gently sloping south-facing hillsides. It is described as a white wine that “epitomizes the character of Marsanne in Crozes-Hermitage”. “The nose is full of quince, peony, and roasted almonds and the palate is fresh and supple.”

Monier de la Sizeranne Hermitage 2016 ($162) is 100% Syrah sourced from three vineyards with different soil types. The winemaker's notes say, “Red fruits with a hint of liquorice are evident on the nose. The palate is round and elegant with flavours of blackcurrant, raspberry and spicy aromas when it is young."

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Taste the Terroir: Ferraton Père & Fils Syrah from the Rhône Valley

Patrick Rigoulet, wine director, Ferraton Père & Fils 

Travel may be tricky at this time but I recently took my palate on a journey to the Rhône Valley, in the south of France, with the wines of Ferraton Père & Fils. Founded in 1946, in 1998 Ferraton partnered with world-renowned winemaker Michel Chapoutier, who led their transition to biodynamic viticulture. I recently went behind the label of Ferraton in a lively Instagram Live conversation with wine director, Patrick Rigoulet. Patrick obtained his master’s degree in wine business management from the Burgundy Business School and joined the team at Ferraton Père & Fils in 2015. 

Watch our chat and wine tasting by clicking the video above, or by visiting IGTV or YouTube.

100% Syrah blended from different vineyard plots, ripe but not jammy, with plump black fruit flavors and kicky spice. 

During our conversation, Patrick and I tasted two of Ferraton's wonderful 100% Syrah wines: Ferraton Crozes-Hermitage Calendes 2016 ($35) and the single-vineyard Ferraton St-Joseph Lieu-Dit Bonneveau 2016 ($55). Both wines beautifully express Ferraton's commitment to crafting wines that are true expressions of terroir, including the granite soils which imbue their Syrah with so much character. Patrick also shared a useful overview of the geography and terroir of the Rhône Valley, describes why Syrah from this region is so highly-regarded, and extols the food pairing versatility of Syrah. 

A richer and more intense expression of Syrah, this single-vineyard wine has flavors of luscious black & red fruits, delicate tannins, spice, herbs, and minerality. 

Visit the Ferraton or Sera Wine Imports websites to learn more about their full portfolio of wines. 

Let There Be Wine: Viña VIK Crafts Exceptional Chilean Wines From a Place of Gold

 

“VIK is a book. Every glass is a chapter. Every sip is a page.”
Cristián Vallejo, Chief Winemaker, Viña VIK

Whether he’s discussing vineyard management, barrel selection, or the artistry of wine; a conversation with winemaker Cristián Vallejo of Viña VIK is an exhilarating journey. A true visionary, when Cristián accepted the offer in 2006 to become the chief winemaker for Viña VIK, there were no vines planted. Others may have been daunted by the challenge but Cristián was invigorated. “I saw 11,000 wild unplanted acres, dug into the soil, and knew immediately this virgin land had the potential to create a wine which could stand among the world’s best.” Cristián’s intuition was right. Full of flavor, nuance, and passion; VIK wines are exceptional.

The story of Viña VIK begins with Norwegian entrepreneur Alexander Vik. In 2004, he envisioned a world-class vineyard that would produce unique wines and Vik's quest led him to Chile's Millahue Valley, which means Place of Gold, the name given to this special terrain by the indigenous people. Located in the interior of the valley, Viña VIK boasts a varied terroir and small microclimates with distinct exposures. Cooled by coastal breezes, this geological diversity imbues the grapes with a complexity that is the foundation of great wine. "80% of what you do is in the vineyard and that's the key to the final flavor," said Cristián. For example, to obtain the best quality grapes, VIK always harvests manually and at night, when the grape is coolest.  

image courtesy of Viña VIK

With experience at some of the world's most celebrated wineries in Chile, France, and Spain, Cristián is passionate about crafting wines that are a true expression of terroir. Opting for indigenous yeast during fermentation and refraining from filtering the wines are some of the techniques Cristián implements at VIK to achieve this authenticity. "I don't like to make muscle wines. I want people to finish the bottle." VIK describes themselves as a holistic winery and their portfolio currently consists of three exceptionally well-made wines that are the embodiment of vision, artistry, passion, nature, technology, and intuition. Trust me, finishing a bottle of VIK won't be a problem. 



True confession: my first taste of VIK 2013 ($165.00) was so intense that I blurted out to Cristián, "This is what it must be like to kiss Antonio Banderas!" Admittedly, this is not the most technical of observations but VIK inspired a truly emotional response. That's what the very best wines do. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (67%), Cabernet Franc (17%), Carmenere (14%), and Merlot (2%), this Bordeaux-inspired blend is rich and plush with great freshness and intensity -- just like a perfect kiss. Aged for 23 months in new French oak barrels, VIK's vibrant red & black fruit flavors are enhanced by a tinge of espresso and mocha. With a virtually never-ending finish, VIK is an elegant and thrilling journey. 


VIK Milla Cala 2014 ($44.99) is a captivating blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Carmenere (27%), Syrah (12%), Merlot (4%), and Cabernet Franc (2%). The five grapes are well integrated but the Carmenere peeks out of the glass just enough to imbue this blend with an unabashedly Chilean sensibility. Aged for 21 months, Milla Cala is complex yet approachable. 

It takes a lot of chutzpah to name a wine "the most beautiful" but there's nothing timid about VIK La Piu Belle 2011($99.99). From the striking artistry of the bottle to the va va voom nature of the vino within, La Piu Belle will not be ignored. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (51%), Carmenere (31%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Merlot (6%), and Syrah (4%) that was aged for 21 months, La Piu Belle is silky, sassy, and sumptuous. The conversation-piece bottle was painted by artist Gonzalo Cienfuegos as an homage to art, the art of winemaking, and VIK's passion for both. Aged for 21 months in new French oak, La Piu Belle is a compelling expression of vibrant fruit with herbal accents. 

image courtesy of Viña VIK

If you're planning a trip to Chile, friends have told me that VIK is an impressive and immersive experience. The expansive property boasts world-class accommodations and invites guests to indulge in a wide variety of activities, including wine tasting, horseback riding, fine dining, trekking, and spa treatments. A visit to Viña VIK has certainly been added to my wine travel wish list! 

image courtesy of Viña VIK

Spring In My Step, Red Wine In My Glass: Saying Bye to Winter with Five Sips Worth the Splurge!

Getting through the long & dark days of winter is reason enough to celebrate! A fine red wine is a year-round pleasure so why not toast the start of spring with a bold sip? My five elegant picks from Italy, California, France, and Chile are absolutely worth splurging on. Go ahead and treat yourself! 

Michele Chiarlo "Tortoniano" Barolo 2012 ($54.99)
Piedmont, Italy
Silky and sultry, Tortoniano is more flirty and fruit-forward than many young-ish Barolos. Michele Chiarlo cleverly thins the Nebbiolo grape clusters and harvests them on the later side so that the fruit attains a higher concentration of flavors. This freshness and juiciness melds beautifully with hints of savory spice and herbs. A refreshingly approachable yet utterly elegant Barolo with no rough edges and a long & luscious finish. Another fine example of why Michele Chiarlo is one of Piedmont's most acclaimed winemakers.  

 

Westwood Estate Mourvedre 2015 ($58)
Sonoma, California 
Widely used as a blending grape in France, marvelous Mourvedre does not have to share the spotlight in this voluptuous and velvety red from Westwood. If you like your reds with a bit of drama, this big beauty's flavors of deep dark fruit with sassy hints of chocolate is sure to captivate you. 

Guigal Côte Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2013 ($85)
Côte Rôtie, France
Opposites attract and connect beautifully in this earthy & elegant blend of brooding Syrah with a kiss of flirty Viognier. Complex but not convoluted, this superb red wine entices with dark fruit and dashes of zesty spice -- it shows why Guigal is synonymous with the wines of Côte Rotie in the northernmost region of southern France's Rhone Valley. 

Casisano Brunello di Montalcino 2012 ($60) 
This sleek and sophisticated Brunello di Montalcino balances freshness with depth and complexity. Quietly sexy, each silky and voluptuous sip tells a story. This is one of those wines that makes everything seem right in the world.   

Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2015 ($25)
Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Chile
For years Carmenere was mistaken for Merlot, but this rich and spicy wine really can't be confused with anything else. A sexy and elegant expression of Chile's iconic Carmenere, this vino has mucho va va voom! Bold flavors of juicy plum, black currants, and dark chocolate are balanced by taut tannins and vibrant acidity. This wine tastes like a splurge but is so affordably priced. 

 

Warm Up with Wine: 5 Sizzling Reds for Chilly Winter Nights

Baby, it's cold outside! Warm up these chilly winter nights with a hearty but elegant bottle of red wine. My five picks from Argentina, Spain, Italy, France, and the USA are certain to tastefully thaw you out! 

Bodega Norton "Privada" Family Blend 2014 ($26)
Mendoza, Argentina
The first taste of this beautiful wine transported me back to my 2015 visit to Bodega Norton in Mendoza and each sip carried me further along on that journey. But even if you've never been to Mendoza, this superb vino is an excellent example of the region's commitment to quality winemaking. Privada blends Argentina's signature variety Malbec with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine that is rich and silky with great balance. Luscious with dark berry flavors and an earthy thread of cocoa and coffee, Privada is complex but approachable. Founded in 1895, Bodega Norton has been owned since 1989 by the Austrian family that owns the glittering Swarovski crystal empire. Privada was once reserved for the family's private cellar and I'm thrilled that they opted to share it! And if you're planning a trip to Mendoza, I highly recommend a tour & tasting at Bodega Norton. Be sure to save room for the mouthwatering empanadas at their restaurant La Vid. 

Viña Real Rioja Reserva 2013 ($31.99)
Rioja, Spain
 Rioja is Spain's most famous wine region but that doesn't mean that the wines are homogenous -- there is a wide range of quality and styles. If you've ever doubted Rioja's ability to express finesse, depth, and personality, Viña Real will convince you. A blend of mostly Tempranillo with kisses of Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo; this fantastic vino strikes that perfect balance between elegance and earthiness. Matured in a mix of American and French oak casks for about 22 months before being bottled, the wine is not overwhelmed by the wood but is beautifully enhanced by this prolonged contact. Alive with luscious berry flavors and impressive minerality, Viña Real evolves eloquently in the glass and is alluring down to the last drop. 
 

Michel Chapoutier "Les Vignes de Bila-Haut" Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2016 ($15)
Roussillon, France
Who says that a superb French wine has to cost a small fortune? Acclaimed winemaker Michel Chapoutier has an impressive portfolio of wines at all price points but authenticity, quality, and respect for the environment are always the common denominator. Chapoutier is best known for his Rhône wines but his passion for the terroir of Roussillon led him to purchase an abandoned 190-acre estate there in 1999. Chapoutier passionately states that “Roussillon has the potential to be as great as Bordeaux, Burgundy or the Rhône.”  I agree. Just a few months ago I visited this picturesque region in the south of France, between Spain, the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees & the Corbières Mountains; and I was impressed by the quality, diversity, and accessible price points of Roussillon's wines. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan, Les Vignes de Bila-Haut is fresh, full, and juicy. Easy-drinking and elegant with a perfect balance of rich plum and berry flavors with sassy dashes of herbs and spices. 



Tasca d'Almerita "Lamùri" Nero d'Avola 2014 ($18.99)
Sicily, Italy
It isn't easy to capture the sexiness and sultriness of Sicily in a glass but this elegant red succeeds beautifully. Nero d'Avola is Sicily's signature grape and can produce wines of tremendous power but Lamúri beautifully balances that strength with grace. Rich and silky, Lamúri means love in Sicilian and this wine's seductive tapestry of dark fruit, spice, and herbs is easy to adore. 

Mauritson Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2014 ($35.00)
Sonoma, California
Drink well and do good with this delicious bottle of wine - all proceeds benefit the Sonoma County Resilience Fund to assist those impacted by the wildfires. A softer and more subdued style of Zinfandel, this California beauty has loads of rich berry flavors and Zinfandel's signature hints of black pepper and licorice.
 

Pour Some Holiday Cheer with Festive & Fantastic Wines from Chile!

'Tis the season to celebrate and indulge in fantastic food and wine with friends and family. Why not wow your inner circle with some award-winning and acclaimed wines from Chile? Chilean wines are hotter than ever and gaining serious recognition for their quality, diversity, and affordability.

Watch the video to learn more about Chilean wines in my free flowing conversation with Marybeth Bentwood, Executive Director of Wines of Chile. Marybeth shares tasting notes on four superb Chilean wines and great advice on visiting Chile - it was recently selected by Lonely Planet as the 2018 Best Country to Visit!

The four wines featured in the video are: 

Undurraga Sparkling Rosé Royal ($12),
Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 ($65) 
Viña Casas Del Bosque Gran Reserva Syrah 2015 ($16)  
San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 ($16) 

 

Four Elegant & Easy to Love Red Wines for Really Picky People!

Let's face it, when it comes to wine everyone has an opinion. Some people are fairly easy to please, but others are extremely picky about the pedigree of the fermented grapes they sip. As the holiday season kicks off, keep these four fantastic red wines on hand. These beauties from New Zealand, France, Argentina, and Italy are certain to delight even your most persnickety guest!


 
Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 ($44.99)
Martinborough, New Zealand

When it comes to Pinot Noir, wine geeks know that Craggy Range is not just one of New Zealand's finest but simply one of the best anywhere. Craggy Range is a family-owned winery that exclusively crafts single-vineyard, terroir-driven wines that convey a timeless Old World elegance. Lovers of classic red Burgundy will appreciate Te Muna's graceful expression of a sense of place  - in this instance, the old stony soils of the terraced Te Muna vineyards in the cool-climate region of Martinborough. Supple with a poetic integration of red fruit, fine tannins, and vibrant acidity, Te Muna is precise and pretty. 


Ferraton Père & Fils “La Matinière” Crozes-Hermitage 2015 ($23)
Rhône Valley, France
This sultry & earthy 100% Syrah from the Northern Rhône Valley enchants with tremendous freshness and depth along with plenty of ooh la la! A rich but not overwhelming expression of Syrah that exquisitely balances red berry flavors with a lively pop of pepper and a touch of herbs. Silky with tender tannins, La Matinière is a charmer!  

 

Colomé Estate Malbec 2014 ($25)
Salta, Argentina 
You won't care about the chill in the air once you sip Colomé Estate Malbec 2014 - this excellent Malbec will warm you up like a luxurious cashmere blanket! Colomé, located in Salta, Argentina, has the highest vineyards in the world and their estate Malbec has a captivating intensity, purity, and energy. A wonderful expression of Malbec that beautifully shows how elegant and pristine Argentina's signature red can be. 

Masseria Altemura "Sasseo" Primitivo 2014 ($15.99)
Salento (Puglia), Italy
This sexy little sip from the south of Italy will heat up even the chilliest night. Wines made from the Primitivo grape are known for being big & bold but Sasseo balances that strength with an appealing softness. Juicy and rich with savory hints of spice, Sasseo is balanced, approachable, and absolutely enjoyable. 

Naturally Chic: The Organic Wines of Le Clos de Caveau

  Henri Bungener of Le Clos de Caveau winery

Leaving behind his cosmopolitan life as a psychologist in London, winegrower Henri Bungener now spends his days attentive to the needs of the vines at his Le Clos de Caveau winery in the Vacqueyras AOC appellation in France's Rhône Valley. It may seem an odd career transition, but in their fragility and strength, perhaps wine grapes and people have more in common than we care to admit. And patience and attentiveness are certainly essential qualities in both psychologists and winegrowers.

image courtesy of Le Clos de Caveau

Also, like people, behind every wine bottle is a story. The story of Le Clos de Caveau began in 1976 when Henri's parents Nicole and Gérard Bungener purchased the property from famed English wine merchant Stephan Spurrier. (Spurrier famously organized the legendary Judgement of Paris blind tasting competition in 1976.) Certified organic since 1989, Le Clos de Caveau was quite ahead of their time when they began farming without chemicals in 1980. Henri took over the winery in 1994 and has lived there full-time for a decade. 


Le Clos de Caveau Lao Muse 2012 paired beautifully with Vinatería's dish of Ossobucco of Wild Boar Shank served with a Cassoulet of White Beans, Chorizo, and Gremolata. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Henri while he was in New York City to host a dinner at the popular Harlem wine-centric restaurant Vinatería. Known for their eclectic and excellent list of wines from around the globe, Vinateria generally showcases smaller producers like Le Clos de Caveau. Wine director Heidi Johnson is a true fan of Le Clos de Caveau and spoke beautifully of her emotional response to Henri's wines.


image courtesy of Le Clos de Caveau

Le Clos de Caveau grows Grenache and Syrah on a hillside for their Vacqueyras AOC wines. (They are also experimenting with plantings of Mourvèdre two kilometers away.) Henri is very attentive to each variety's unique response to the terroir. As one goes up the hill, the soil becomes more arid and imbues the grapes with more concentration. That individuality and sense of place is elegantly apparent in his wines. 



60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, Fruit Sauvage 2014 ($23) is produced from vines aged 10-45 years from the fields at the bottom of the slope. Naturally fermented with wild yeast, the wine is juicy and fruit-forward with flavors of blackcurrant, cassis, and subtle spice.  



More intense and robust, Carmin Brillant 2012 ($27) is also Grenache (60%) and Syrah (40%) but produced from vines aged 25-70 years from fields on the side of the hill. A deep shade of purple with rich flavors of cassis and blackberries with a hint of mountain herbs, the wine's long maceration period and 20 months of aging lend it a posh lushness.  

Lao Muse 2012 ($58) is the pièce de rèsistance. The name Lao Muse means La Muse in the old Provençal language and this wine certainly inspires me to dream of sharing a bottle with someone special, preferably in the south of France! Lao Muse is produced from the final rows at the top of the hill where the grapes develop intense and concentrated flavors. Powerful but elegant and down-to-earth, Lao Muse's sultry flavors of black cherry and blackcurrant are balanced by a hint of vanilla and spice. 

image courtesy of Le Clos de Caveau

If you're looking for beautifully crafted organic wines that truly express a sense of place, I highly recommend Le Clos de Caveau. And if you're planning a trip to the Rhône Valley, Le Clos de Caveau welcomes visitors for tours and tastings - overnight accommodations are also available. Cheers! 

Geeking Out On Gaillac: "Secret" Wines from Southwest France

 Carole Fontanier (Communications Manager, Wines of Gaillac), Fred Dex (Master Sommelier), Yours Truly, winemaker Nicolas Hirissou (Domaine du Moulin), and  winemaker Alain Cazottes (Domaine des Terrisses).

Blame it on Fred Dex, Master Sommelier - I recently spent an afternoon gleefully "geeking out on Gaillac." Fred enthusiastically describes Gaillac as "one of the geekiest wine regions in France, if not the world" for the amazing diversity of its grapes and wine styles. From international varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah to lesser-known indigenous grapes like Loin de l'Oeil and and Duras, Gaillac is an absolute paradise for wine lovers in search of authentic, honest, and expressive wines that convey a sense of place.



Located in Southwest France in the heart of the Midi-Pyrénées region, the Gaillac wine-growing region benefits from Mediterranean heat and the ocean humidity of Bordeaux. Gaillac lays claim to the oldest vineyards in Southwest France - their rich tradition of winemaking goes back 2,000 years. Gaillac wines are not cookie-cutter but do share a rugged elegance that is absolutely endearing. Although Gaillac wines are not yet a household name abroad, the secret is getting out. 

Domaine des Terrisses 2014 ($15) is a delicious introduction to the Gaillac style. A blend of Loin de l'Oeil (70%), Mauzac (20%), and Sauvignon Blanc (10%), this dry white wine's lively tropical, citrus, and herbaceous flavors taste quite unique but have a tinge of familiarity. Domaine des Terrisses has been the property of the Cazottes family since 1750 and their 7 generations of experience is evident in their award-winning wines. 


Alain Cazottes, Domaine des Terrisses

Domaine des Terrisses also produces a wonderful red - Grand Tradition Rouge 2014 ($15). A balanced blend of Braucol (50%), Duras (30%) and Syrah (20%), this bold wine has a rustic elegance and flavors of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and a touch of pepper. A great match with a steak or burger. 

Domaine de la Chanade, Les Rials 2015 ($15) is undeniably Gaillac. Made 100% from the indigenous grape Loin de l'Oeil, this juicy dry white wine has exuberant flavors of mango, kiwi, peach, honey, and Meyer lemon with the finest hint of Mediterranean herbs. Loin de l'Oeil means far from the eye and inspired the name of this grape because it produces bunches that grow far from the bud. 



Nicolas Hirissou, Domaine du Moulin 

Domaine du Moulin is another impressive producer from Gaillac. The Hirissou family has been growing vines for three centuries and the winemaking tradition has passed from father to son for more than 180 years.  


Domaine du Moulin Cuvée Reserve 2013 ($12) is a spicy but light and juicy blend of Duras (60%) and Syrah (40%). Duras is native to Gaillac and produces deep red wine with fine tannins and spicy, peppery flavors. 

If you want to get way deep into the flavors of Gaillac, the award-winning Domaine du Moulin Cuvée Florentin 2014 ($29) is extreme Gaillac in the very best way. Nicolas describes this 100% Braucol wine as his baby. An old Gaillac grape, Braucol (also known as Fer Servadou in other regions) has distinctive flavors of blackcurrant and spice. It has commonly been used as a blending grape but Florentin showcases its power and elegance as a single varietal wine. Intense and nuanced, the flavors of Florentin open up beautifully and the winemaker recommends decanting or opening the bottle at least two hours before drinking. 

Gaillac is home to more than 100 wine producers who take pride in crafting wines that honestly express the terroir and traditions of this very special appellation in Southwest France. Fred Dex is right - Gaillac's unique, affordable, and delicious wines are worth geeking out on. Give Gaillac a swirl! 

To learn more, visit the Vins de Gaillac website.  

 

Snuggle Up with a Bottle of Red: Five Fabulous Wines for Fall

The right glass of red wine can be as comforting as your favorite blanket on a cool autumn evening. From Argentina to California, here are five elegant reds that are perfect for cozy nights at home. 


Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir 2014 ($22)
Mendoza, Argentina
Proving that Mendoza is more than Malbec, this mighty fine Pinot Noir displays impressive finesse and flavor. Silky and juicy with vibrant cherry and strawberry flavors that are balanced by warm hints of chocolate, coffee, and spice. 


Tom Gore Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ($15)
Sonoma County, California
Second-generation grape farmer Tom Gore's magic touch with vines shines through in this supple Cabernet Sauvgnon. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec; this Sonoma County sip is rich but juicy with fresh cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, and blackberry flavors. A lovely alternative to big, bossy, and over-oaked expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Cusumano Alta Mora Etna Rosso DOC 2014 ($24)
Sicily, Italy
If you're looking for a great icebreaker, heat things up with wine produced from grapes grown on the steep slopes of an active volcano. Mt. Etna is Europe's largest active volcano and Alta Mora (tall & black) is produced from indigenous Nerello Mascalese grapes grown at high altitudes in its black volcanic soil. The wine is surprisingly light-bodied with vibrant acidity and reminiscent of Pinot Noir. Pleasant cherry, cranberry, herbal, and mineral flavors make for a lovely drinking experience.


Domaine du Théron Cuvée Prestige Malbec 2011 ($18)
Cahors, France
Malbec may be the signature grape of Argentina but its birthplace is actually southwest France. Historically known as the "black wine" of Cahors, Malbec from this part of the world is a noticeably different expression of the grape. Very aromatic, this silky red is also quite robust with lively acidity and intriguing flavors of black cherries, licorice, blackberries, and earth. 


E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2013 ($30)
Northern Rhône Valley, France
This beauty from the Rhone has a rustic elegance that shows the softer side of Syrah. Plummy and round with earthy tannins and subtle hints of savory pepper and spice. 


 

 

Chile in Your Glass: The Wines of Viña Maipo

Max Weinlaub, chief winemaker at Viña Maipo in Chile, says that wine "is a matter of balance" and "wine needs to play a bit on the nose and tongue."
image courtesy of Viña Maipo 

Winemaker Max Weinlaub's ebullient personality and encyclopedic knowledge of vino shine through in conversation and in the beautifully crafted wines that he produces for Viña Maipo. A native of Chile, Max has served as chief winemaker at Viña Maipo since 2007 and his meticulous winemaking has been garnering rave reviews at home and beyond.


Founded in 1948 in the Maipo Valley region, Viña Maipo is Chile's 4th largest exporter of wine. From easy-breezy & refreshing whites to complex & robust reds, Viña Maipo produces wines from Chile's main wine regions and offers options for every palate and budget.  


Vitral Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2016 ($11)
Vitral means stained glass window in Spanish and this line of wines is inspired by the light streaming through the windows of the church in Maipo - the winery's hometown has a long & rich religious tradition. Chilean Sauvignon Blanc has become one of my favorite wines and Viña Maipo's lovely expression doesn't disappoint. Refreshing and juicy, cool coastal influences can be tasted in its vibrant flavors of stone fruits, citrus, mango, and crisp minerality. Vitral Sauvignon Blanc is a winning match with fresh shellfish and ceviche but also perfect as an apéritif. 


Vitral Reserva Chardonnay 2016 ($11)
Max said that "Chile in a glass" was his goal with this delightful Chardonnay. A blink of time in French oak adds a subtle touch of cream & vanilla to pure fruit flavors of citrus with a hint of pineapple and white peaches. I loved the honest expression of the Chardonnay in this wine - the judicious use of oak subtly enhanced the flavors of the grape without obscuring its essence. Vitral Reserva Chardonnay is versatile enough to pair with seafood, chicken, and creamy pasta dishes. 



Incredibly expressive and capable of great power and finesse, Carmenere has its roots in Bordeaux but is now most closely identified with Chile. A great introduction to Carmenere and the Viña Maipo style is Vitral Reserva Carmenere 2015 ($13). Max says that "peppery is part of the nature of Carmenere." Those spicy notes are balanced by soft tannins and rich flavors of blueberry, black currants, and lively acidity. A great match with steak or a burger. 



For a more complex expression of Carmenere, give Gran Devoción Carmenere/Syrah 2013 ($25) a swirl. The addition of 15% Syrah deftly amplifies the flavors of this robust but elegant red wine. Viña Maipo planted Chile's very first Syrah vineyards and Max describes Syrah as a "chameleon" and "a grape with many personalities." Syrah is an important component in many of Viña Maipo's top wines. Gran Devoción's flavors of chocolate, violets, blueberries, and blackberries are balanced by soft round tannins and optimal acidity. A luscious and sexy wine, Gran Devoción is a great match with a candlelit meal.



Protegido 2013 ($50) is an artful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (97%), and 1% each of Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot that has aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. Complex but not aggressive, the superb quality of the hand-picked grapes is evident in this wine's layers of vibrant dark fruit, spice, and chocolate. 

Wines from Chile are getting a well deserved share of the spotlight and Viña Maipo is an important player. Even Viña Maipo's entry level ones display quality winemaking and a sense of place - authentically Chilean and absolutely delicious!