Chile Impresses Again

By / Wine + Drinks / January 22nd, 2014 / 1

I have been a huge fan of Chilean wine since my very first sip, and here’s how I got there.

Years ago a girl I was trying to impress said to me, “I like Chilean Merlot” and, of course, I lied and said, “Me too” (what we men will do …).  We ordered a bottle and the rest is history.

Ever since that little red lie so many years ago, I have found myself continuing to be impressed by the long thin country of South America by almost every grape they bring to the table.

At a recent Chilean tasting these were a few of my favs …

Santa Carolina 2012 Reserva Chardonnay ($11.95)

Great fruit with hints of vanilla and I love the apple and pear in this wine.

Via 2011 Chilcas Single Vineyard Pinot Noir ($17.95)

Light cherry and strawberry with beet root notes, nice acidity and good spice; quite delicate – who’da thought Pinot from Chile could be so good?

Volcanes de Chile 2010 Parincota ($30.00)

A Syrah / Carignan blend aged 15 months in 30% new oak – nice intensity of blackberry, blueberry, smoke and cinnamon; you’ll also find nice spiciness on the intense finish.

Concha y Toro 2011 Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95)

A perennial favourite , this wine is so juicy and so delicious: red fruit, chocolate, vanilla, blackberry with hints of licorice.

Siegel 2012 Gran Crucero Limited Edition ($39.95)

A more typical blend with atypical results: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah that’s juicy and chocolaty with white pepper notes and a long finish.

For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is an award-winning journalist: Promoting the Promoters Award Cuvée 2010 and Ontario Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2012.  He is also a national and international wine judge - Ontario Wine Awards, All Canadian Wine Championships; Best of Riesling — Germany; Essencia do Vinho — "Top Wines of Portugal".  He is currently the President of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada and the wine columnist for Ottawa Life and Grand magazine as well as regular contributor to Tidings, and Grapevine ... his reviews have also appeared in the LCBO Vintages magazine. Michael has also added a YouTube channel to his activities where he reviews bottles of great Ontario wine on a weekly basis. In whatever he does, it is Michael’s desire to educate, inspire and encourage others to grow their own love and enthusiasm for wine – and to realize that it is their palate that ultimately makes the decision.

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