The Chilean Wine Industry
Despite the wine industry in Chile being established in the 16th century by the Spaniards, the country's viticulture was actually more heavily influenced by France.
Chileans traveled to France and brought back vine clippings before the phylloxera bug basically destroyed France's vines in the 18th century, and winemakers who were out of jobs also brought their tradecraft to Chile. That's how grapes native to the French region of Bordeaux, like Cabernet Franc and Carménère made it to Chile!
The Wine
The Viña Tarapacá Etiqueta Azul 2013 is a wonderful red blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 16% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Franc that comes from the Maipo Valley in Chile, located just south of the capital Santiago.
Chile's climate is great for wine, with the Pacific ocean and mountain ranges blocking much of the country from extreme weather and tempering a pretty hot climate.
According to the winemaker, the Gran Reserva Blue Label is vinified
only in years where the crop is considered "extraordinary."
Tasting Notes
This wine is medium
to full bodied, earthy and bold, with notes mocha,
tobacco, and oak on the nose, and on the palate, hints of blackberry, dark cherry and spice, with chewy but smooth tannins (the dryness and astringency you taste in your mouth after drinking some red wines).
It is well structured and will drink well on its own or with food. Suggested pairings would include beef dishes or game, sharp cheeses, or for a vegetarian dish, eggplant parmesan.
It's around $40-45 a bottle and totally worth it. I got it as part of January's club red wine club selections at Screwtop Wine Bar in Arlington, but it is also available online.
Cheers!
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