The Cellar: Wines of South America

Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer

The Cellar: Wines of South America

At the most recent ‘Evening with Wine’ event at the Providence Wine Academy participants tasted 11 wonderful wines from all over South America, many of which are available locally. The evening kicked off with Santa Digna’s 2012 Estelado; a sparkling Rosé of País from the Maule region of Chile. The workhorse grape variety País used to be Chile’s most widely planted before being overtaken by Cabernet Sauvignon. Difficult to find domestically and often criticized for being thin and bland, wines made from the naturally high-yielding variety País can make great wines when serious efforts are put in and yields are kept low.

Whites

Among the whites sampled were two Sauvignon Blancs tasted blind, head-to-head. The battle pinned Casa Casablanca’s 2013 Nimbus Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Casablanca, Chile) against the 2012 ‘Sur Lie’ aged Sauvignon Blanc from Bodegas Carrau (Cerro Chapeu, Uruguay). The crowd favorite was the refreshing example from Chile, which was praised for its freshness, nerve and bright citrus fruit. While interesting and different, the ripeness in fruit and weight of the Carrau was a little too much for some people to appreciate.

Reds

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In the ‘red wine - single variety’ category TintoNegro’s 2012 ‘Uco Valley’ Malbec (Uco Valley, Argentina) narrowly defeated Ventiquero’s 2010 Grey ‘Single Block’ Camenere (Maipo Valley, Chile). Uco Valley is cooler than most other sub-regions of Mendoza, which makes for a brighter style of Malbec with more acidity. The Malbec grapes from this region do fully ripen however, so there is no shortage of ripe dark fruits – there is even a hints of chocolate and oak. The Carmenere was a touch lighter and greener, a tad herbaceous with flavors of espresso – a profile I personally adore.

Red Blends

The last blind tasting pinned two red blends against each other; the 2009 Tikal ‘Patriota’ 60% Bonarda / 40% Malbec blend made by Ernesto Catena (Mendoza, Argentina) against one of Chile’s top red Meritage blends; the 2006 Veramonte, Primus, (36% cabernet sauvignon, 31% syrah, 17% merlot and 16% Carmenere from Colchagua Valley, Chile). When big and bold South American blends are aged for a few years they take on a new dimension as the fruit mellows out and the secondary flavors start showing. Both of these wines were from my private stash and wines I think are drinking great right now. Current vintages are available locally.

For a full list of the wines sampled click here. To sign up for May’s tasting featuring the varietals Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Grenache or June’s tasting where participants will tour the wines of Central and Southern Italy, click here.

Cheers!

 

Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related question or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.

10 New England Wine Getaways

Newport Vineyards

Newport Vineyards is the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.

909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI. (401) 848-5161.

Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineya

Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.

162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.

Greenvale Vineyards

Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.

582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI. (401) 847-3777.

Maugle Sierra Vineyards

For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.

825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT. (860) 464-2987.

Nickle Creek Vineyards

Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.

12 King Road, Foster, RI. (401) 369-3694.

Nashoba Valley Winery

Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!

100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.

Bishop’s Orchards Winery

The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.

1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.

Diamond Hill Vineyards

For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.

3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.

Westport Rivers

Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery

Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.

417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.

Travessia Winery

Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.

760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.

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