Sherbrooke Sips with R&R: Chile
Winery: Viña Maipo
Vintage: 2008
Location: Maipo Valley, Chile
Alcohol: 14%
Blend: 85% Syrah, 15% Carménère
Tasting: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
You know, I can remember back to 1988/89 when people were just starting to hear about wines coming from Chile. They were amazed that wine grapes could be grown there. What they didn’t realize is that for most of the country the climate is actually considered to be a Mediterranean climate. It features the warm, dry summers and cold, rainy winters that vines love. With the breezes from the sea and the effect of the Andes Mountains, Chile has bright sunny days and cool nights. The dip in temperature at night helps the grapes to develop fresh fruit flavors, crisp acidity in the white wines. This helps the red wines as well. They develop ripe tannins, deep color, and high levels of antioxidants and flavonols.
Viña Maipo, which was founded in 1948, gets its name from the valley in which it sits - the Maipo Valley. The Maipo Valley is considered to be the oldest and most important wine growing valley in the country of Chile. Its history dates back centuries prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The Jesuits arrived and settled in the valley until they were expelled by the Spanish crown. The Town of Maipo was founded during this time to defend the area against native attacks.
The Jesuits returned in the 19th century, around the same time that the first great wineries appeared. The merger of different religions and beliefs took place at this time and gave rise to the unique devotion and religiousness that is still felt in this region today.
Viña Maipo is located just 38 kilometers south of Santiago. Just a minute down the road from the vineyard is the lovely town of Maipo.
In 1968, Viña Maipo became part of Viña Concha y Toro. Over the next 42 years the winery has grown to become the 4th largest Chilean wine exporter. Quite an accomplishment since only a decade ago they exported to small number of countries. Now their wines are found in over 60 countries and they send over 2 million bottles of wine to those countries each year.
The Viña Maipo vineyards are located in Chile’s main valleys: Casablanca, Maipo, Rapel, Curico and Maule. The last four of these is known as the Central Valley. This valley extends more than 310 miles from north to south and lies between the Maipo and Maule Rivers. The clash of the cold Pacific breezes and the hot inland air masses give this area a pleasant Mediterranean climate with warm days, cold nights and well defined seasons. Casablanca is known for its fresh whites; Rapel for its fruity reds; Curico for its very intense Sauvignon Blanc; Maule for its powerful and concentrated reds; Maipo for its elegant and classic styles.
This wine is the first in a series of Syrah from Viña Maipo. The second is called Reserva and the third is Limited Edition. They each are different and lovely in their own way. April 28th we have chosen the Syrah for our Winesday wine. April 30th and May 1 we will be doing a two day sampling with the Reserva Syrah and the Grand Devotion Sauvignon Blanc. You will have to try each and find your favourite ones.
The grapes for this wine were both hand-picked and mechanically harvested in April 2008. 30% of it was aged in American oak barrels for three months and 70% of it was aged in stainless steel for 5 months. The colour is an intense ruby red with violet hues. It has some nice fruit with raspberry and blackberry leading the way. There is a little black pepper spice and toasted notes to boot. It has a softer body, but is nicely balanced with a medium finish.
Food Pairing:
Grilled meats (beef, venison, lamb); a pesto based pizza; gouda cheese; braised beef.
CSPC: 735791
Price:
$10.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)
*Price correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice
Come by and try this Syrah and then come back on Friday or Saturday to try the Viña Maipo Syrah Reserva and the Viña Maipo Gran Devocion Sauvignon Blanc.
Next week Richard and I are going to stay in Chile and have a bit of a road trip. Come join us. I’ll bring a few treats that we can nibble on while we travel.