|
Chilean Cabernet
Chile and Argentina have quite a bit in common: Major South American nations, they lie more-or-less side-by-side, separated by the lofty Andes, with Argentina on the Atlantic Coast and Chile on the Pacific. Both countries are now thriving democracies with all-too-recent memories of repressive totalitarian regimes. (Chile was in the news just this week with the death of 91-year-old former strongman Augusto Pinochet.)
I've long been a fan of Argentine wines, particularly the earthy, structured style of Malbec from the Mendoza region. But I tend to be a bit more wary of wines from Chile, not because of any intrinsic flaw in the region's wines but because, frankly, too many of its producers in recent years have chosen to export modest, one-dimensional wines that compete against American big-brand varietal wines at the lower end of the marketplace, offering low prices but not great value. Of course there are exceptions to this, as to every rule, as today's tasting demonstrates. Chono, a Chilean winery under the umbrella of Geo Wines Ltd. of Santiago (Sergio Reyes and Alvaro Espinoza), is gaining attention for high-quality wines made largely with organic and "biodynamic" techniques. The modestly priced Chono 2004 Central Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in today's report is not yet fully organic, and the back label (stating that it's 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon) disagrees with the Website (listing it as 85% Cabernet, 15% Syrah). That's nitpicking, though. The good news is that it's a fine Chilean red that bespeaks the country's potential with a characteristic, varietally correct Cabernet Sauvignon of good structure and balance, a kissin' cousin to a simple but well-made generic Bordeaux. Chono, according to the back label, "is the name of one of the bravest native tribes that lived in the fjords of Southern Chile. The Southern tribes all shared a passion for sea and agriculture. Brave and unique, they exemplified the strong character of their land."
Today's Sponsor
Are you on Winelibrary.com's e-mail service? If not, today is a good day to join! The nation's Number 1 online wine merchant is offering FREE SHIPPING on selected wines for the next 48 hours! Orders must be for 12 bottles or more. Click this link to view our e-mail today with our special free shipping items! WineLibrary.com features a huge collection of top wines from around the world, great gifts and accessories, a daily video blog (WinelibraryTV), huge selection of futures (including red hot 2005 Bordeaux at incredible pricing) and much, much more! Search our quick loading/high speed database of the hottest new wines from California, France, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, Austria, South America and more. Join our e-mail service and get an early heads up when wines like Bryant, Harlan, Dominus and others arrive!
Bottom line, we offer the lowest prices, the largest selection, lightning fast shipments and the greatest customer service in the industry! Winelibrary.com is your one stop shop for everything wine ... so what are you waiting for! Log on to winelibrary.com today! (* Free shipping offer only valid on wines listed on this link:
Very dark ruby with reddish-purple glints. Characteristic Cabernet aromas, blackcurrant and fresh herbs with a back note of dark chocolate. Medium-bodied but intense, typical varietal flavors follow the nose, built on a solid structure of acidity and soft tannins. No lightweight, but its 13.5% alcohol seems appropriate for this sturdy Cabernet. U.S. importer: North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, Calif., and Montecastelli Selections Ltd., NYC. (Nov. 29, 2006) FOOD MATCH: Rare steaks or lamb chops or a roast would be just right. I went for a Southwestern style match with a quick dinner based on leftover beef fajitas from a local Mexican spot, but went wrong - for the wine match, at least - when I added chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Beef, as noted, is good with Cabernet, but fiery smoky chiles are not. (Actually I knew this, but I wanted them anyway.) VALUE: No complaints at this local retail price, but it should be noted that this wine sells widely for less than $10, at which point it would be an exceptional value. WHEN TO DRINK: Ready to drink, but Cabernet tends to age well, and good balance and tannins in this one suggest some potential for cellaring over several years.
WEB LINK:
FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
TALK ABOUT WINE ONLINE:
To read and comment on today's column in our non-commercial WineLovers Discussion Group, click:
Today's article is cross-posted in our Netscape WineLovers Community, where we also welcome comments and questions. To contact me by E-mail, write wine@wineloverspage.com. I'll respond personally to the extent that time and volume permit.
PRINT OUT TODAY'S ARTICLE Administrivia To subscribe or unsubscribe from The 30 Second Wine Advisor, change your E-mail address, or for any other administrative matters, please use the individualized hotlink found at the end of your E-mail edition. If this is not practical, contact me by E-mail at wine@wineloverspage.com, including the exact E-mail address that you used when you subscribed, so I can find your record. We do not use our E-mail list for any other purpose and will never give or sell your name or E-mail address to anyone. I welcome feedback, suggestions, and ideas for future columns. To contact me, please send E-mail to wine@wineloverspage.com All the wine-tasting reports posted here are consumer-oriented. In order to maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest, I purchase all the wines I rate at my own expense in retail stores and accept no samples, gifts or other gratuities from the wine industry.
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006
|
Chono 2004 Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon ($12)
