I just got back from South America and boy is my palate tired. Two weeks of sniffing and spitting some of the best Chilean and Argentinean wine certainly takes its toll.
Of the two countries, Chile offered the most surprises. The wines from Santa Rita and Carmen are great examples that over-deliver in the glass. Located next door to each other the sister wineries are two of the Maipo Valley’s best.
Their beef-friendly 2005 Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 – $25.99) was a standout. Cabernet is Chile’s flagship grape and this version is layered with earthy black fruit, ripe tannins and chewy vanilla oak.
For a match with fresh white fish (a Chilean favourite) try Carmen’s 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($10.90 – $13.99). Crisp and lightly fruity, it’s representative of the modernity that is becoming the Chilean hallmark.
Prices reflect the range across the country. Some products may not be available in all provinces.
– Peter Rockwell is the everyman’s wine writer, working in the liquor industry for more than 25 years and travelling the globe looking for something to fill his glass and put into words.
