Supporting Acts these are not. Don’t dare settle for an average, same-old bottle of wine. Instead, these eight sensational Chilean wines are the centerpiece of a celebratory (or, really any) season and may even take over the show entirely.
APPETIZER
The Classic Cheese Board
Pairs With
San Pedro 1865 Limited Edition Syrah 2012, Elqui Valley
A generous, fleshy and well-structured wine with aromas of herbs, smoke and stewed plum. Smooth tannins are helped along with flavours of ripened dark berry and plum and herbaceous notes. Long finish. An excellent accompaniment with charcuterie and mature cheese.
Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier, Colchagua Valley
Perfumed perfection in a glass, notes of peach, flower blossoms and melon with a pale and golden hue and balanced acidity are hallmarks of this truly great wine. Spicy or grilled food, seafood and creamy cheese pair well.
FIRST COURSE
Lobster Pithivier with Tarragon, Cream Bisque
Pairs With
William Fèvre The Franq Rouge Cabernet Franc, Maipo Valley
An expressive, deep and bold wine comprised of 82% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark fruit, then violet hits the palette with an ultra long finish and defined tannin structure that beckons for food. The herbaceous pepperiness of the Cabernet Franc matches well with herb-forward dishes, and Persian cuisine.
Montes Alpha Chardonnay, Casablanca
An unusual, intensely complex tropical fruit nose, with a fruit forward profile in the mouth and gentle mineral freshness, from the coastal climate of Casablanca, Chile. Chardonnay is the classic pairing for buttery lobster with its cutting acidity.
Carmen Gran reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley
Bursting with cherry and black plum aromas, barrel ageing provides smoothness with toast and vanilla notes combined with red fruit. Balanced acidity and round tannins would be best paired with smoked duck, game dishes or an intense bisque.
MAIN MEAL
Traditional Turkey with Gravy
Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Carménère, Colchagua Valley
An excellent contender for your cellar. Intensely purple, characteristic of merlot, with an impressive cohesive combination of red fruit, herbs and earthy aromas. On the tongue, the medium body wine is juicy, with a silky texture and coffee and dark berry notes. Best decanted an hour before serving, with traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, or a creamy pasta entrée.
Le Dix de Los Vascos, Colchagua Valley
Produced from a Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) vineyard, this Bordeaux-style blend brings together Carbernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah and Cabernet Franc for a refined tasting experience. Ripe fruit is accented by licorice, saffron, spices and enhanced by new French oak ageing. The smooth and supple wine would be incredible with lamb, beef wellington or rich gravy.
Ventisquero Grey (Glacier) Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley
Harvested from a single block of vines, from the clay soil and dry climate of the Trinidad vineyard, resulting in grapes ripened at their peak. Deep ruby red in colour, this beauty is intensely fruit forward with subtle pepper and leather notes. Its elegance and body make it complex, yet approachable and well suited to meat dishes.
In partnership with Wines of Chile.
This original wines and spirits article first appeared in the Winter 2021/22 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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