Chilean Embassy Wine Tasting with Vina Ventisquero

Wine on a Wednesday at an Embassy? Delightful.

Happy that I attended and experienced this intimate tasting tonight where I learned so much about Chile and a little about Argentina and specifically Mendoza, along with meeting some pointedly imperative people made this structured day the best.

The winery, Vina Ventisquero, had all wonderful wines for us to sample along with some delightful figs and cheeses, with assorted bread and crackers.

The Sauvignon Blanc Reserve to begin the evening was a perfect starter. The perfect, well-balance sipper with the light fare could not have been better chosen for such a warm day. There was a Chardonnay but I did not taste it, however, I simply moved into the main tasting event.

Carmenere Queulat from Southern Chile with its dark cranberry color had a strong, earthy, barnyard nose with a lasting finish. The spice was on the nose and in the mouthfeel carrying the dark berries, tobacco, and velvety tannins. This full-bodied wine would go great with Chinese, Thai, and South American. The longer it opens up the more blueberries you will taste.

We moved onto Vertice is from the Colchagua Valley west of the Santiago can hold up to 10 years. The deep ruby color, deep and and bright berries on the berries, and the wonderful taste with a long finish served at 60-65 degrees. This Carmenere and Syrah blend is best with spicy foods. This wine can be held for 20 years.

This informative evening ended with Pangea was created from Syrah is also from the Calchagua Valley had a spicy, alcohol, graphite aroma but was an easy, balanced taste with lightly floral flavors. While it was lighter than others, the smoothness has a little spicy kick and was less filtered through production. Talk about better with time. Let this sit and blossom. You will be surprised. This wine can also be held for 20 years.

The hanging glacier in Chile was as intriguing as the wines the group tasted.

Enjoy your next glass.

Salut!