Chilian Wine & Cheese Tasting
May 31st & June 2nd
Thursday 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM,
Saturday 12 PM – 5:00 PM
Greetings to all Wine Steward friends,
This past weekend was truly a taste of summer. That means it is time to start the summer cookout season. This week we have brought in five great Chilean wines that are sure to be a welcome addition to any gathering of friends and family. We begin with a clean and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, followed by an easy drinking Carmenere. From there we move onto a rich and full bodied 4 grape red blend, a full bodied Malbec and a great Cabernet Sauvignon, both rated 89 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. All wines at this week's tasting are being offered at a special sale price.
This week's "Cheese of the Week" is Chimay Grand Cru Fromage Trappiste. Another tasty delight from the Trappist Monks.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our tastings
Thanks,
Rocco
Concha Y Toro Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Origin: Colchagua, Chile.
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting Notes: Color: Bright straw-yellow. Nose: Citrus fruits and mineral notes. Palate: Fresh, long, and intense. Aged 6 months in stainless steel tanks.
Food Pairing: This Sauvignon Blanc is a great food wine that should pair well with shellfish, fish, poultry and pork dishes as well as spicy Asian food and Sushi (harmonizes well with the salty tastewith soy sauce and the spice of wasabi). There are also those that would prefer to sip this wine on the back deck on a warm summer’s day.
Concha Y Toro Gran Reserva Carmenere 2010
Origin: D.O. Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Chile.
Varietal: 90% Carmenere and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: Color: Deep, intense, purplish-red. Nose: Intense aromas of black fruits, blueberries, black plums, chocolate, and white pepper. Palate: Concentrated, with soft, sweet tannins. Good structure and density. Concentrated, lengthy, and moderately structured, it can be approached now but will age well for another 4 to 5 years. Aged14 months in French and American oak, 15% new.
Food Pairing: Serve with roast meats, pasta with meat sauces, grilled
chicken, mushrooms, swordfish or tuna, gruyére and cheddar cheeses.
MontGras Quatro 2010
Origin: 85% Colchagua Valley and 15% Maipo Valley, Chile.
Varietal: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carmenere, 20% Syrah, and 15% Malbec.
Tasting Notes: On the nose you will find a core of rich supple currant, black cherry fruit and nice floral notes framed by nicely combined vanilla and toast from the oak aging. Ripe and concentrated with layers of cherry, currant and blackberries. Powerfull, with nice texture and balance, and with a long, intense and persistent finish that end with an elegant mouthfeel. Aged 10 months in 70% French and 30% American oak of which 30% was new. Drink now through 2015. 14.5% Alcohol.
Food Pairing: Well matched with red meats, hearty casseroles, barbecued
meats and full flavored cheeses.
Concha Y Toro Gran Reserva Malbec 2009
Origin: Marchigüe, Colchagua Valley, Chile.
Varietal: 100% Malbec
Tasting Notes: Color: Very intense, deep purplish-red. Nose: Intense aromas of black fruits, blueberries, black plums, and chocolate. Palate: Concentrated, with soft, sweet tannins with flavors of black fruit. Good structure and density. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - The 2009 Riberas Malbec (100%) was sourced from the Palo Santo Vineyard in Marchigue, Colchagua Valley and spent 12 months in 23% new French oak. Scents of balsam wood, spice box, floral notes, cherry cola, and plum are followed by a medium- to full-bodied, layered, plush Malbec with excellent depth, concentration, and length. Drink this solid value over the next 4-5 years. Score: 89 points - March, 2012. Drink now through 2017.
Food Pairing: Malbec wine goes best with red meats such as roast beef,
steak and prime rib. Mexican, Cajun, Indian and Italian foods, especially those
with rich tomato sauces, also complement Malbec wine. Last but not least,
let’s not forget the barbecued
ribs.
Concha Y Toro Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Origin: Marchigüe, Colchagua Valley, Chile.
Varietal: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carmenere
Tasting Notes: Color: Deep red Nose: Intense aromas of black fruits, plums, cherries, chocolate, and cassis Palate: Concentrated, with sweet tannins. Red fruit flavors. Good structure and density. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - The 2009 Riberas Cabernet Sauvignon (with 10% Carmenere in its makeup) was sourced from the Palo Santo Vineyard in Marchigue, Colchagua Valley. It spent 14 months in mostly seasoned French and American oak. It offers up an initially reticent nose of cedar, tobacco, spice box, violets, and black currant. This sets the stage for a wine with layered fruit, savory, spicy flavors, excellent volume, and a lengthy, pure finish. This excellent value can be approached now but will drink nicely for another 5-6 years. Score:89 points -Jay Miller, February 2012. Drink now through 2018.
Food Pairing: This Chilean Cabernet pairs well with everything from rack of lamb, barbecue and of course, a sirloin steak on the grill. Don’t forget the Sharp Cheddar and Dark Chocolate.