May 2015 Meeting - South American Wines

Barry and Linda hosted this meeting, and challenged us to guess the price of seven interesting South America wines...

South American Wines

1.   Chandon Rose NV, Argentina

Origin: Moet and Chandon have created this complex sparkling rose by combining the fruit of several vineyards of varying altitude, using a traditional method of blending the juice with a controlled portion of Pinot Noir base wines and 18 months’ lees aging in bottle.

Grape: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Taste:  Rose pink with a sunny, peachy hue. Aromas a predominantly of citrus and stone fruit, accented by hints of cherry and fresh pie crust.  The strawberries-and-cream palate is carried by a voluminous mousse.

Enjoy: A wonderful aperitif-style rose for any special occasion (LIKE A WG3 WINETASTING SESSION!!!!)

From: Majestic  - GUESS THE PRICE?

 

2.   Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc2014, Aconcagua Valley

Origin: This cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc from Errazuriz comes from the Casablanca Valley, which is heavily moderated by its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and benefiting from cool air and morning fogs.

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc

Taste: This wine is a classic example of a clean modern cool climate Sauvignon Blanc. It displays aromas of gooseberries and guava on the nose and is yet dry and fruity on the palate.

From: Majestic  - GUESS THE PRICE?

 

3.   Luis Filipe Edwards Signature Series Viognier Reserva 2013, Rapel Valley

Origin: Luis Felipe Edwards is the largest family-owned winery in Chile, and have developed a wide range of markedly Chilean-style wines from classic grape varieties. This Viogner is pressed in a protective atmosphere and spends only 2 months in oak for maximum freshness.

Grape: Viogner

Taste: Light and fresh, yet intensely aromatic. Flavours of peach, apricot and ripe pears cascade across the palate, finishing with a refreshing acidic lift and gentle mineral grip.

 

Enjoy: A great partner for mild spicy dishes, such as Cajun chicken, Thai red curry or sweet chili and garlic prawns.

Proof:  13.5%

From:  Majestic  - GUESS THE PRICE?

 

4.   Vinalba Seleccion Torrontes 2014, Lujan de Cuyo

Origin:  The aromatic Torrontes grape is a distant relation of Muscat, and has become Argentina’s signature white variety, as it produces bright and perfumed white wines in the sunny yet cool high- altitude vineyards of Argentina.

Grape:  Torrontes

Taste:  Bursting with ripeness, the nose is a cascade of tropical fruit and blossom aromas.  Lively flavours of white peach, melon, pear and pineapple provide  a refreshing and involving palate sensation.

Enjoy:  Best served with mild Thai curries or dressed prawn salads.

Proof: 13.5%

From:  Majestic  - GUESS THE PRICE?

 

5.   Mountain View Carnenere 2014 Luis Felipe Edwards, Central Valley

Origin:  In 1976, Luis Felipe Edwards Snr purchased the Fundo San Jose estate in Puquillay, Colchagua valley. From those original 60 hectares of old vines, Luis grew the estate into the largest Chilean family –owned winery, now managed by his daughter and two sons.

Grape:  Carmenere

Taste:  Full of soft ripe blackberry and damson fruit, set apart from the norm by subtle earthy, smoky notes redolent of toast. Rounded yet firm tannins frame the thick and juicy fruit.

Enjoy:  Best served with your favourite Chile con Carne

Proof: 13%

From:  Majestic  - GUESS THE PRICE?

 

6.   Errazuriz Estate Series Merlot 2013, Valle de Curico

Origin – Erazuriz source their wines from a range of vineyard sites in the central part of Chile, where the Mediterranean climate and cold nights encourage good fruit purity. Only 50% of the wine has been aged in French oak for added complexity, while retaining fruit character.

Grape:  Merlot, Carmenere

Taste:  Youthful in character with a bright crimson colour.  A fruit driven nose, with plenty of soft plum and bramble, and the merest hint of vanilla and spice from the oak, and the blend is 15% Carmenere.

Enjoy:  Equally at home with pasta in simple tomato-based sauces, as it is with red meat, grilled chops or sausages.

Proof:  13.5%

From:  Majestic  - GUESS THE PRICE?

 

7.   Aniello 003 Malbec 2013, Bodega Aniello, Patagonia

Origin: The 003 in the name signifies the vineyard from which the grapes are sourced, one of two sites owned by Bodega Aniello. 003  is located in Mainque, on an area of heavy red clay soils on the hillsides overlooking the Rio Negro river.

Grape:  Malbec

Enjoy: Best served slightly cool, either on its own or with a range of red or white meats.

Proof:  14.5%

From:  Majestic  - GUESS THE PRICE?