Chile and Argentina produce large volumes of wine, a lot of which is unexceptional, in a lot of ways like California. But amidst the big producers you can find dedicated wine makers who are crafting distinct wines that reflect their specific vineyards. This Saturday we’ll be tasting wines from five of these specialists. Come discover them for yourself.
Bodegas Cruzat, Reserve Extra Brut Valle de Uco, Mendoz, Argentina $20
75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay
Sourced from estate grown vines from 4,600 feet elevation, this rich/leesy extra brut has restrained aromas of strawberry, watermelon and fresh herbs. A faint touch of sweetness (six grams per liter) lifts the wine’s subtle red fruit and saline flavors, with a touch of minerality giving the back end a tactile quality.
2014 Vina Litoral, Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Valley, Chile $13
Leyda Valley is Chile’s newest and most radical cool climate wine region, strongly influenced by the cooling effects of the Humboldt Current that flows up the country’s west coast from the Antarctic. Litoral’s 2014 Sauvignon Blanc is an extraordinary example of for the grape and zone. It’s a wine with great marine influence whose verticality is aided by the cooling effect of the granite soils yet juicy and refreshing.
2011 Ermisch Cellars, Erendira’s Rise Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $35
After running Bodega Calle in Argentina for more than a decade, Kirk Ermisch wanted to try his hand at Pinot Noir, so he headed to Oregon and hooked up with Robert Brittan. The result is lithe and expressive, taut and focused, with cherry, mint and sassafras flavors playing against velvety tannins, finishing long. “
2013 Elqui, Red Blend, Elqui Valley Chile $16
52% Syrah, 37% Carmenere, 11% Malbec
A blend of 3 vineyards with alluvial soils rich in minerals deposited by the Elqui River and cooled by ocean breezes, the Elqui Red has a substantial nose offering plenty of dark fruits, some currant and a minty almost hint of menthol. it is juicy and vibrant with loads of suave tannin, earthy elements and elegant minerals, building into a smooth lingering finish.
2013 Garage Wine Company, Carignan, Maule Valley Chile$31
94% Carignan, 6% Mataro (Mourvèdre)
Boutique by design, GWCo makes a series of small Lots that are 8-17 barrels each. The Carignan is a field blend, sourced from a small, dry farmed vineyard with centuries-old rootstock still farmed by hand and horse. It has a serious nose mixing tree bark aromas, red and black fruit, licorice and subtle spices. The palate is fluid with good acidity and medium body.
The wine makers at Elqui Valley.
Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.