Halloween Wines
There is nothing scary about the great wines we have coming up in a Zoom Tasting on October 30th. A live Zoom Party featuring these four South American wines from Vine Connections!
Pais Viejo (‘Old Pais’) is a wine with history. Made with Pais grapes from over 100-year-old Gobelet vines planted in the coastal region of Maule in Chile. The Bouchon Family Wines began in the late 19th century when young viticulturist Emile Bouchon left Bordeaux, France for Chile. Today, Julio Bouchon and his children carry on their 4th generation family winemaking tradition in the Maule Valley. With their in-depth soil research alongside terroir-specialist Pedro Parra, Bouchon is preserving the historic character of the Maule Valley with distinctive, terroir-driven wines. The Pais vines are planted on very old soil of granitic, sandy loam formed by Chile’s coastal mountains. Pais Viejo is 100% naturally-vinified using century-old winemaking techniques, including the use of the zaranda (a structure made of sticks to destem the grape clusters). The grapes are hand harvested and fermented with native yeasts in concrete tanks to preserve the wine’s authentic expression of terroir.
Bright cherry color with juicy, fresh, light aromas of strawberry, wildflowers and sour cherry. This wine pairs well with fish and pasta, can also be used as an aperitif- and for the Halloween Zoom, we pair it with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or Twix bars! I give it three bones.
Boya Pinot Noir was created by the Garcés Silva family, pioneers of the coastal Leyda Valley in Chile. Boya in Spanish means “buoy” – apropriate as the vineyard blocks overlook the Pacific Ocean. The winery’s architecture is inspired by its environment, and the surrounding rolling hills determine the different levels of the winery. The winery is gravity flow, a winemaking practice that preserves its aromatic potential and natural structure. Boya wines are made using fruit that is harvested early, in order to achieve a very bright, low alcohol, fresh style. Old barrels that have been used 4 to 8 times, are used to age the wine for a short period of 8 to 10 months. Natural acidity and good balance give Boya wines a remarkable sense of place, representing the cool coastal climate of the Chilean Leyda Valley.
Intense nose of fresh fruits like strawberry, red cherries and plenty of floral aroma. The palate is medium bodied with supple tannins, good natural acidity and fresh berry fruits towards the finish. It is well balanced, clean, and expressive. Try it with grilled salmon, Gruyère cheese, or wild mushrooms, and for a tricky treat, try it with Mounds or Almond Joy. I give it two bones.
Lunta Malbec is named after the region, Lunlunta, which the ancient Huarpe Indians named to represent the sound of stones colliding in the flowing Mendoza River in Argentina. Lunta Malbec is hand-harvested from small vineyards in the region of Luján de Cuyo. It undergoes malolactic fermentation in barrels, and is then aged for 12 months in 50% oak barrels and 50% stainless steel. This old-vine Malbec hails from a restored ancient riverside vineyard overlooking the Lunlunta Hills and highlights fresh, expressive floral and red fruit characteristics. Roberto de la Mota, Argentina’s legendary winemaker behind Mendel Wines, makes Lunta in a vibrant style to showcase the terroir of this estate. He personally revived this forgotten 1928 vineyard, recognizing this unique location’s promise to craft a truly dynamic wine.
Intense fruity aromas of raspberry, plum, blackberry and cassis immediately greet you upon first sniff. These explosive fruit notes continue on the palate of this medium-bodied, easy to drink Malbec. Soft tannins give way to a long finish making this wine enjoyable on its own or paired with lamb, spareribs or pork- and in this case we think it would be spook tacular with Milky Way or Junior Mints! I give it three bones.
Tikal Patriota was #45 on Wine Spectator’s ‘Top 100 List’ in 2015. This ‘Patriotic’ old-vine Bonarda and Malbec is blended to perfection. Bonarda being a native Argentine red varietal. Tikal was founded by Ernesto Catena, a 4th generation winemaker of Italian descent who, having spent a part of his life working as a designer and being a fervent student of Renaissance humanism, sees it as his mission to transform everything in his wine world into art. To share a meal, to enjoy the fruits of their labor—these are the things that matter to him. Over the years, Ernesto and his team designed their biodynamic farm and vineyard as a
sculpture to be gazed upon from the sky, similar to how the Mayas and the Incas designed their cities to be enjoyed by the Gods. Their vineyard is surrounded by natural flora and animals that help them achieve a state of harmony and equilibrium. They pay homage to the Sun in their Rose Garden, and to the Moon in their Vine Labyrinth with music and dancing. They see their winery and vineyard as a home for an artist to create and commune with Nature; to be one with the poetic nature of life.
The Malbec grapes are from high elevation vineyards- the Vist ta Flores vineyard, and the Bonarda grapes comes from Rivadavia. They’re hand-harvested and aged 12 months in 70% French & 30% American oak barrels.
Deep purple and red hues, with aromas of bright berry/cherry fruit. Big body yet very balanced with luscious layers of raspberry, cherry, and cocoa flavors. Just a hint of baking spice at the end brings it all together. A great companion to grilled or smoked meats. Pairs well with beef and pork, and even pizza! But for Halloween we suggest a Snickers Bar. I give it three bones.
Please join us for the virtual tasting event and see our special pricing for these wines. Happy Halloween!