If I only had $100…I would buy at LCBO Vintages

On Saturday Oct. 31 you will find Whisky and Chilean wines are the main features of the LCBO release. We recently participated in a whisky tasting in Ireland and Chile is on our travel bucket list, so who would like to come to our house for a tasting?

Good things grow on the side of the Andes, the world’s largest mountain range and the grape varietals are rich, diverse and amazing. Chile is fortunate to have climate conditions that are ideal for grape growing harvests.  Hot summers, coastal cooling breezes, and moderate rainfall.

Chile’s geographic barriers make Chile a veritable agriculture island protected in the north by the Atacama Desert, the Andes in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Patagonia ice fields in the south. The vineyards are totally protected against pests and disease. Just like in other parts to the world there are regional wine routes in the 14 grape growing regions with unforgettable wineries to discover. Perhaps after trying some of these releases, Chile might be on your bucket list too.

Slàinte,
Julie

Signo De Origen La Vinilla Chardonnay/Viognier/Marsanne/Roussanne 2014

Casablanca Valley
$19.95 (Vintages # 63909) 14.5 % alcohol

This is a winning combination for the winemaker. A blend of 63% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier, 14% Marsanne and 8% Roussanne and this luscious organic nectar takes the best from all the grapes. Golden to the eye, tropical fruit bathes the palate with layers of deliciousness. Some honey and floral aromas lead to flavours of baked pears, peaches and apricots, smooth and silky with an underlying seam of citrus acidity. Well-balanced and mouth filling with a long fruity finish. Sheer yum and a style of white wine I like on its own or with some grilled fish.

 
Falernia Réserva Carmenère 2013

Elqui Valley, Chile
$19.95 (Vintages #269175) 15% alcohol

Huge, broad and delicious, rich in concentrated deep purple. The grapes were partially dried before fermentation similar to the appassimento style which always leads to more concentrated flavours. Monstrous juicy ripe blackberry flavours, bone dry but some sweet spice and warmth at the end of the lengthy finish. It begs for a really good beef stew and crusty bread. Can’t wait to pick up a few bottles of this red wine.

Tabali Reserva Especial 2011

Limari Valley, Chile
$23.95 (Vintages #107540) 14% alcohol

An assertive blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot delivers dense notes of deep dark berries with some underlying subtle herbal notes. Rich and creamy in texture, the dark cherry flavours intermingle with mocha and white pepper, soft tannins on the lengthy finish. This red wine would be lovely with pot roast or lamb tagine.

Ventisquero Grey Glacier Single Block Carmenère 2012

Main Valley, Chile
$19.95 (Vintages #325415) 14% alcohol

18 months in French oak barrel gives this Carm. a big body with loads of black cherry flavours. Appealing notes of earth, woodsmoke, violet, red rose aromas combined with big berry and fruitcake flavours on the palate make it gutsy. Great interplay with strong but subtle tannins, well-balanced with a long peppery finish. This red wine is perfect for hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese.

Pascual Toso Chardonnay 2014

Mendoza, Argentina
$12.95 (Vintages #162636) 13.5 % alcohol

I’m just seeing who is paying attention since I inserted a country cousin from Argentina. It was part of this release and at this price point, it is such an amazing Chardonnay with lots of personality (I just had to sneak it in.) Honeysuckle aromas capture the nose. Look for an interplay of baked pears and crisp apples on the palate, bone dry but a buttery caramel finish that makes it so interesting. This white wine would pair beautifully with some juicy pork chops cooked with apples.

GRAND TOTAL – $ 95.75