By The Wine Guy
I was recently asked by someone at a wine tasting what the major difference was between wines from California and Chile/Argentina; I replied, “that’s an easy one – cost!”.
It’s true. As technology has created a “convergence” in so many areas, so it has also in the global wine business, positively affecting flavor, yield, time to market and many other key factors. Today more than ever before, Chilean and Argentine wines are not only keeping price pressure on much of the west coast wines of the US.S., they are also increasingly producing high-quality wines that are presently very strong values for the money.
A great example is the 2014 Lapostelle Cabernet Sauvignon, Cuvee Alexandre, Colchagua Valley, Chile, ($19.99). The Apalta Vineyard is the gem of the Lapostolle estate in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. It’s where they source the fruit for one of Chile’s greatest wines, Clos Apalta. The Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet is also sourced from this extraordinary vineyard. Surrounded on three sides by hills and a river on the fourth side it has its own unique microclimate. Planted back in 1920 it also has deeply rooted grapevines averaging 60 years old. The Cabernet grapes for this wine come from an old block of Cabernet planted in 1920 with high density that provides low yields of less than 2 tons per acre and grapes with deep, complex flavors. It’s also certified organic and biodynamic. The grapes are 100% hand harvested with strict fruit selection. All fermentation is done with wild yeast in 20% new French oak barrels, where the wine stays, aging up to 10 months. There is no stabilization, no clarification and a very light filtration prior to bottling. This is very big wine for the money.
On the other side of the Andes, in Argentina, the number of high quality wines are also growing, and a great example is Cadus, Vista Flores Appellation Chardonnay, 2016, ($15.99). This is a new winery which has been recently bought by the Nieto Group, one of the country’s most successful wine producers. Vista Flores is situated in the Uco Valley where Santiago Mayorga, their Chief Winemaker, has access to some of the best vineyard sites in Mendoza. The focus is on small productions of high quality wines. From the high-altitude Vista Flores vineyards, it has aromas of citrus and stoney minerality. On the palate, its minerality really shines through with a defined steely character combined with lemon and green apple fruit. A clean, textured finish is distinctively balanced by fresh acidity. In short, the structure and quality of a $25-35.00 bottle of California Chardonnay at a steep discount.
Catena Alta Malbec, 2015, Mendoza Argentina, ($44.99), is frequently compared to some of the premier growths from Bordeaux and with good reason. Catena Alta Malbec 2015 shows a deep violet color, with blue reflections. The nose is elegant and complex with ripe red and blackberry fruits, notes of violets and lavender and a touch of leather, spice and vanilla flavors. The palate is full and rich with soft and sweet tannins and a silky, smooth structure. Multiple layers of rich cassis, blackcurrant and blackberries are interwoven with hints of licorice and black pepper. Its lengthy finish is marked by wonderful minerality, finely grained tannins and lively acidity with a touch of leather, spice and vanilla flavors. The palate is full and rich with soft and sweet tannins and a silky, smooth structure. Huge body and structure for the money.
Montes Folly Syrah,2015, Central Valley, Chile, ($45.99), has a strong deep ruby red color. In the nose, the wine is both very intense and elegant with lively blackberries, blueberries and plums with hints of chocolate aromas. On the palate, the wine is layered and dense, showing exceptional complexity and structure, while blackberry, boysenberry, mocha and espresso flavors are supported by velvety and powerful tannins followed by a very long finish. This beauty is a natural with any meat-rib eye steak, lamb, venison, baby back pork ribs or Filet Mignon. Montes Folly art is designed by acclaimed illustrator Ralph Steadman and is considered a collector’s item as his paintings change at every available vintage. Another thing that’s also changing is the quality and elegance-it’s getting better every year!
Talk to The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com
