A Wine Lover’s World Cup

Friday was a perfect day for a Pinotage. It went so perfectly with springbok a.k.a. antelope steaks that my husband encountered on a recent trip to Cape Town. On Saturday, we moved on to a boisterous Argentinean Malbec to accompany grilled ribeyes outside on our terrace. And Sunday we made room for a refreshing Riesling that worked well with stuffed red perch. Ah, the World Cup. It’s not just a time for everyone to become a soccer fan; for wine lovers, it’s also an excellent reason to celebrate world wines. Read more

 

Exploring Chile’s New World Treasures

It’s a bit ironic.  On land that was once plundered and overrun with violent conquistadors, one now finds tranquil biodynamic farming and

winemaking. However, that is exactly the case at Matetic Vineyards, which is often singled out as one of Chile’s best winemakers, especially when it comes to its Pinot Noir.  Soft, loping alpacas weed the grounds there, and grape skins, cow manure and grass make for the compost that is later used to nurture vines.  This is a far cry from the 1600s when the Spanish brought Chile its first grape vines while staking claim to this wonderful country.  Later, they would try to limit Chile’s wine production, but to no avail.

Considered a New World star, Matetic in particular continues to garner attention and acclaim for its breathtaking wines.  Located in San Antonio Valley, the Croatian Matetic family only started making wine here in 1999, but have a history farming the Chilean land that dates back 100 years.  They are clearly in touch with the land that makes their fine wines, and lucky Hinsdale Inspired Wine Club members get a virtual trip there in June with two of the winemaker’s extraordinary top-line EQ wines – two varietals definitely not traditionally associated with Chile.

EQ Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Twenty years ago, Chile was known only for its reds, but in the unique climate of San Antonio Valley, Sauvignon Blanc has found a very comfortable home.  Cool temps and reddish clay soil that contains decomposed granite and quartz lend a unique minerality to this Sauvignon Blanc.  The nose of delicate tropical fruits and distinct lemon blossoms are a wonderful entry to this light-colored wine. To the palate, it provides a complex experience of minerality and a gentle balance of acidity and soft sweetness of fruity flavors.  Winemaker serving suggestions: oily fishes, ceviche, sea urchins, oysters or sheep cheeses.

EQ Pinot Noir 2006

Matetic Pinot Noir is considered to be among the very best pinot noirs coming out of Chile.  Wine critics, despite generally thinking of Chile as cabernet country, have questioned whether Pinot Noir and Syrah might be its true destiny, recognizing San Antonio Valley as seemingly perfect terroir for this grape and Matetic as a leader.  The 2006 presents as an elegant deep ruby red, calling forth gentle aromas of strawberry jam, plum and even a hint of anise.  The texture is soft and elegant, the acidity well-balanced, and the finish long and beautiful. Winemaker serving suggestions: fish, goat cheese, cured ham, lean red meat, pasta.