Winesday with Rosanne & Richard: Yali Wetlands - Chile
“We challenge the status quo, always searching for unique and different ways to accomplish our goal… to create Great Wines.”
“An important cornerstone in the evolution of our company is the adoption of responsible environmental practices.
“Throughout the 11 years that we have been in business, we have dedicated ourselves to the production of high-quality, distinctive wines using processes that safeguard the environment.”
“Everyday we practice sustainable farming, seeking to minimize the impact of our activities on the ecological balance of our vineyards by meticulously matching soils with suitable grape varieties. We partner with our employees and local communities, recognizing that both are valuable assets that contribute to our success.”
In all our work in the vineyard and the cellar, we aspire to be in harmony with the earth. We temper our quest for quality with a healthy respect for nature, seeking to minimize our impact on the environment.”[1]
Viña Ventisquero went through an exhaustive process to become ‘Certified Sustainable’. There were 17 criteria that they had to pass to become certified. Natural weed control and integrated pest management are a part of the daily life in the vineyard. Also: ”the channeling of streams, humidity sensors and controlled irrigation to save water; the use of organic materials to improve the grip of the vines and minimize soil erosion; waste management; state-of-the-art cellars; concern for the safety and well-being of workers; and the use of renewable energy sources on the Viña Ventisquero estate in the Leyda Valley.”
Over the past four years the winery has developed a pland to reduce their carbon footprint. They use a lighter-weight ‘EcoGlass’ bottle for 99% of their production and the wine cases are made of recycled cardboard printed with water-based ink.
This year Viña Ventisquero is applying for certification for its winery sustainable practices. They are not stopping there. In 2014 Viña Ventisquero is going to seek accreditation for its “interaction with the community.”
Yali Wetlands Cabernet Carménère
Location: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Carménère
Tasting: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m
Although these two grapes come from Bordeaux, they have made a great home in Chile. Carmenere ripens about three weeks later than Cabernet Sauvignon The blend seems to be a Chilean favourite.
Imagine having the choice of the following careers: Tennis Pro; Classical guitarist; or Winemaker. To have that wide a variety to choose from, Head Winemaker Felipe Tosso, chose the wine business because it is one of his “big passions because it’s more than work - it’s a lifestyle.”
We would love to have the opportunity to sit and have a chat with this fascinating man.
Winery notes:
Colour: deep ruby red.
Aroma: ripe cassis, plum and cherry from the Cabernet Sauvignon and spicy notes such as black pepper from the Carménère mesh with hints of vanilla and chocolate imparted by barrel aging.
Palate: a well-balanced wine with soft tannins and a long persistent finish of red berries and vanilla.
Food Pairing:
Old-Fashioned Beef Stew with Winter Vegetables
CSPC: 602722
Winesday Price:
$10.79 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)
Regular Price:
$11.99
*Price correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice
Yali Wetlands Sauvignon Blanc
Location: Lolol Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
The end of February to the beginning of March here in Alberta, one would not be thinking about harvesting grapes. We might be thinking about grabbing another blanket to keep us warm. However, that is the timeframe when these grapes were picked. And at night, to boot. Sauvignon Blanc goes with a lot of different foods including Shellfish, Pork, Chicken and even the dreaded Asparagus. One of just a few wines that works well with Aspqragus.
Winery notes:
Colour: crystalline, with pale green highlights.
Aroma: complex and elegant nose of fresh lime, grapefruit, pineapple and pear, rounded off by delicate floral notes.
Palate: elegant with well-balanced acidity, citrus and tropical fruit nuances appear on the long finish.
Food Pairing:
Sautéed Fish Fillets; Baby Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad
CSPC: 878132
Winesday Price:
$10.79 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)
Regular Price:
$11.99
*Price correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice
We are staying in beautiful Chile again next week.
[1] www.ventisquero.com
Tags: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Chile, Sauvignon Blanc