Having recently attended the Chilean Wine Tour 2012 in Chicago, I was intrigued by the unique geography, culture, and delicious wines of this South American country. As opportunity would have it, last week I was included in a TasteLive.com event focusing on Chile’s Concha Y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva wines. Samples of four wines were sent to me for review during the online gathering of wine bloggers, retailers, distributors and the Winemaker himself, Marcio Ramirez.
The Gran Reserva Serie Riberas, or “River Series”, is a group of Specific Origin wines from Concha Y Toro. Each variety is grown close to one of Chile’s major rivers: the Rapel, the Cachopoal, the Tinguiririca, and the Maule. These rivers, formed by waters from melting snows of the Andes, have formed fertile areas en route to the ocean. The type of terroir along the river is optimal for grape growing. The mineral rich and free draining soil on the river terraces and hillsides are poor in water retention thus encouraging the roots of the grapevines to dig deep in the soil in order to absorb moisture and nutrients. The east-west position of the valleys allows sea breezes and cold mountain air to blend with the warm, sunny climate of the interior. Each river valley produces a unique microclimate and wines produced in these areas are well protected from the threat of climate change which could create excessive heat.
Wines tasted during the evening were…
**Ribera del Tinguiririca Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – High acidity with grapefruit and citrus on the nose and palate reminded me once again why I love Sauvignon Blanc! This wine had a crisp minerality and the finish was fresh and lingering. Grapes were hand picked and aging was for six months in stainless steel tanks. It was suggested that this wine could be paired with a salmon under a curry-lemon sauce! Cost is around $14.00.
**Ribera del Tinguiririca Malbec 2011 – As a huge fan of a good Malbec, this wine delivered…but in a unique way. Of course you may think that Argentina has cornered the Malbec market, but wait! In Chile, this grape is a different clone that the Argentinian relative and since the Malbec growing climate in Chile is colder, there is a different expression of the wine. In the glass, this Malbec was deep purple and had strong aromas of blueberries, plums, and chocolate. After the first sip, there were sweet, mild tannins with more deep black fruit flavors leading to a dense mouthfeel and lasting finish. Pair with some beef fajitas and a Chilean style salsa? Yes, please! Cost is $14.00.
**Ribera del Cachapoal Carmenere 2010 – If you have never tried a Carmenere, give this one a try. Consisting of 90% Carmenere and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon I loved the deep fruit aromas of blueberries, blackberries, plums and white pepper for a little zing! Very concentrated and balanced with mild tannins, this wine was aged for thirteen months in French and American oak, medium-toast barrels. Enjoy this delicious wine, unique to Chile, at a cost of $15.00. It just may be your go-to red!
**Ribera del Tinguiririca Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 – The deep ruby color and aromas of dark fruit, plums, black cherries, and cassis were an enticing introduction to this Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. Balanced with intense red fruit flavors and soft tannins, I enjoyed this wine with the evening’s steak and a roquefort cheese sauce. It was wonderful yet could easily age eight to ten more years…but at a $15.00 price tag, I doubt you’ll let that happen!
Marcio Ramirez, Winemaker, has a degree in Enology from the Universidad de Chile and has worked at Concha Y Toro since 1997. He has worked in various winemaking capacities with the winery and in 2002 and 2003 participated in the crush season at Chateau Mouton Rothchild in Pauillac, Medoc, France and at Castello Banfi in Montalcino, Italy. His vast experience led to this current position as one of the winemakers for the Gran Reserva Serie Riberas. It was a pleasure conversing *virtually* with Mr. Ramirez during the TasteLive.com event and learning more about the wines of Chile!
Celebrating the diversity of Chile once again, the glass in my hand held delicious wines from unique microclimates of this interesting country.
Cheers to another sip of Chilean wines! ~ Cindy
