Category:

Style

Casas del Bosque Late Harvest Riesling

by Amanda Barnes June 17, 2022

More about the wine

Casas del Bosque have always made great dry coastal wines (especially their Pequeñas Producciones range) but this late harvest Riesling is another level. Produced with grapes infected by noble rot, the result is an intense, sweet wine with refreshing acidity and lingering notes of mandarin, ripe apricot, honey and toasted almonds.

More about the winery

One of the modern pioneers of Casablanca valley, the Cúneo family founded Casas del Bosque winery in 1993. This cool maritime climate is ideal for fresh coastal wines, and the focus of Casas del Bosque is on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Syrah, although winemaker Alberto Guolo is also experimenting with Malbec on the estate.

Casas del Bosque is not only a leader in Casablanca wines but has one of the most popular winery restaurants in Chile, the award-winning Tanino, and boasts a great variety of activities for visitors from bike rides through the vineyards to picnics at the beautiful look out spot, at Casa Mirador. Another of the key pillars of Casas del Bosque is a focus on sustainablity, through their viticulture and winemaking as well as their social and community impact.

Read more about Casas del Bosque winery

June 17, 2022 0 comment

Carmen DO Florillon wine tasting note by Amanda Barnes

Chile Fruity Fresh

Viña Carmen DO Florillón #2

by Amanda Barnes June 9, 2022

written by Amanda Barnes

More about the wine

One of Chile’s most promising young winemakers, Emily Faulconer kicked off a bit of a movement with this flor-aged wine. It’s easy to see why — this old-vine Semillon has complex aromas of chamomile, orchard fruits and Parmesan with a mouth-wateringly delicious saline finish. Sold out, but worth recommending on the off-chance you find some!

More about the winery

Viña Carmen is Chile’s first winery, founded in 1850, but also one of the most forward-thinking and contemporary in its wine style. The name comes from the original founder’s wife but it is perhaps serendipitous that almost 150 years later Carmenére was first discovered in their vineyards, becoming an emblematic variety not only for Carmen but Chile ever since. Carmen winery produces a huge range of varieties today though, including top Cabernet Sauvignon (Gold is an emerging icon), fantastic old vine Semillon, juicy Cinsault, racy Sauvignon Blanc and, of course, spicy Carmenere. Young winemaker Emily Faulconer is one of the most exciting of her generation, and oversees all the ranges from their easy-to-drink everyday lines up to top level premium wines from all over Chile’s main valleys.

Read more about Viña Carmen

June 9, 2022 0 comment

Cabernet Franc Chile Fruity Fresh Colchagua Wines

Santa Rita Floresta Cabernet Franc

by Amanda Barnes June 9, 2022

written by Amanda Barnes

More about the wine

When you think of Cabernet Franc, coastal regions may not be what spring to mind, but this fresh and peppery red from the granitic soils of Colchagua’s coastal hills shows great precision and elegance. It is spicy, vibrant and filled with energy and this is a really exciting direction for coastal Colchagua and Chilean Cabernet Franc.

More about the winery

Viña Santa Rita is one of Chile’s leading producers and also one of the Maipo wineries most worth visiting, not only for the impressive portfolio of wines, but for its rich history and heritage. Founded in 1880, Santa Rita winery is one of the oldest and longest-standing in Chile but the estate’s history stretches back much further and was in fact a refuge for 120 independence soldiers in 1814. Today 120 is the name of Santa Rita’s entry-level wine, but production ranges from mid-level Medalla Real to their top ranges including the excellent Floresta line and seductive Casa Real Cabernet, under the expert hand of top Chilean winemaker Sebastián Labbé and his team with grapes from all over Chile. With a beautiful landscaped park and gardens, 19th century mansion now Hotel Casa Real, neo-gothic chapel, Andean museum, Doña Paula Restaurant and vineyard tours for all, save plenty of time for a visit.

Read more about Viña Santa Rita

June 9, 2022 0 comment

Maipo Wines Opulent

Santa Rita Casa Real

by Amanda Barnes June 9, 2022

written by Amanda Barnes

More about the wine

Casa Real was one of the early icons of Alto Maipo. Although it is from Alto Jahuel, it has quite a different profile to some of the other traditional Maipo high-end wines, with deep savoury notes of liquorice, iron and black pepper. You can cellar this wine for decades.