Recently, I tried a couple of Chilean wines. Over the years, they have always proved to be excellent values.
Specifically, I tried Casillero del Diablo, Reserve. and Marques de Casa Concha (I have forgotten the years, apologies).
Great wines reminiscent of some of the better Bordeaux
The grapes used are Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot.
These wines are "brands" of the largest producer in Chile which is Concha Y Toro, they come from the Maipo Valley region,(which is the best in Chile). Not to be confused with the Maipu, which is another region in Chile.
The prices of these wines are around $10 to $15 US, and safely can be compared with wines in the $25 to $40 range from either Bordeaux or Napa. However, I did so outside of the US, and that may be a factor, (even cheaper than the above quotes).
They are mellow wines due to the Merlot grape, not as robust as a California Cabernet, but certainly not weak, their color is deep.
Casillero was the better of the two, (the term "Reserve" is an important one in Chilean wines as it is an official denomination, meaning at lest four year old wine, then again, this law may have changed).
FYI
Other important wine growers in Chile are:
Canepa.
Torres (from the Spanish family)
Undurraga.
Primarily these wines are red, (see above), however there are some good Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and even some Rieslings.
Finaly, as a point of interest:
The vineyards in Chile and Argentina (almost as good as the Chilean wines), were planted with Vitis Vinifera vines brought from Europe, prior to the Phyloxera attack of the mid 1800's, and to this date, they have never been affected by the bug.
Argentinean wines are very good too, however, it has been a while since I had some of them.... looking for some of them, from what I recall.... most wines from the region of Mendoza are good... If memory serves well, "Trapiche" was a fair wine (red).
As for Champagne... the Dom (1990), is ready for this year... the point brought up for year 2000 is indeed a good one.... better go back out and stock up now.
Taittinger "Comtes de Champagne" my favorite, have not checked it lately...
Good thread.... and good drinking. |
