It has been a little while since my
last post, but hopefully the wait will have been worth it as I can
now report on my recent trip to Chile! I have never been to South
America before and I was lucky enough to visit Chile with Santa Rita
and Carmen wines. It was a fantastic week and over the next blog or
two I shall let you know what I got up to!
After a long overnight flight from
London to Santiago, via Madrid, we arrived at the hotel at lunchtime.
We had an hour or so to relax by the pool before we headed to the
Mercado Central (Central Market) for some much needed lunch!
Cerviche, fried Monkfish, Calamari and a couple of King Crabs were
exactly what we needed; especially as a few bottles of Santa Rita 120
Sauvignon Blanc were also on the table! Lunch was followed by a brief
stroll around the old city centre and a trip up to the San Cristobal
hill for some spectacular views over the city.
The following day (Monday) was met with
a couple of sore heads after a few beers in Bella Vista when we
hopped on our bus to visit the Apalta Valley. We were visiting the
vineyards of Carmen's Reserva Syrah; a robust, fruity Syrah that was
enjoyed in the vineyard. The Apalta Valley is also home to the famous
Lapostelle Clos Apalta vineyards and winery. Which unfortunately we
did not get to try but we did see the winery across the valley. This
valley is home to some fantastic Syrah and Carmenere vines and the
scenery is absolutely stunning.
Monday evening was spent in 'The
Happening Restaurant', a fantastic steak house in Santiago. Dinner
was enjoyed with Santa Rita's 2007 Pehuen Carmenere. The steak was
good, but this wine was fantastic! I have been lucky enough to try it
before, but I was reminded just how good it is. Carmenere is still a
rather 'new' grape and one whose potential has not been fully
realised. This wine is a great example of just how good this grape
can be. Most of us who have had Carmenere have enjoyed very youthful
and fruity styles. 2007 is now 7 years old and this wine really shows
how Carmenere can develop into a rich, savoury, gamey style with lots
of herbaceous characters as well as lots of fresh and dried fruits.
This wine is a must for anyone who wants to further explore the
potential of Chilean wine.
The Pehuen 2007 was awared 91 points by
Wine Spectator and fully deserves the accolades. The grapes are
soured from the Apalta Valley from 70 year old vines. This wine is
very difficult to find in the UK but is well worth it if you can find
it!
More to follow from my trip to Chile.
Follow me on Twitter @roberthaynes88
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| View of the Lapostelle Clos Apalta winery in Apalta Valley |
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| Syrah vines in Apalta Valley |
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| View of Apalta Valley |
