After trying a fun selection of South American wines for my June wedding, I happened across a nice South American wine selection at Hop City Beer & Wine, and I stocked up in preparation for some South American Standoff Tastings! When you’re out to compare new wines, there’s nothing better than cooking something awesome and opening three or four bottles… try them before dinner’s ready, then try them with dinner. Of course, you’ll be drinking these wines for the rest of the week unless you have company to help you with this fun tasting.

Of the selection that I purchased, two were of the French famed Lafite Rothschild. Their Chilean collection is titled Los Vascos, and they have several “regular” varietals, as well as some “reserve” versions. W and I pitted these two Cabernet Sauvignon against each other, with high hopes!

2006 Los Vascos Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile

2007 Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Surprisingly, we were really disappointed by both wines. Even more surprisingly, especially the Reserve. They just weren’t awesome in any way. They were really tannic, even after letting them sit for a good amount of time and lots of aerating. What a let-down.

Origin: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Where: Hop City
Price: Around $15
Next time: I’ll pass.

W and I got married at the end of June! These are the awesome wines we served at the reception at Park Tavern – Halls of Fine Wines in Inman Park carries some of the Valdivieso wines, as well as Hop City Beer & Wine in West Midtown. Of course, your favorite wine shop could easily order them for you if you don’t want to track them down.

Valdivieso Extra Brut Champenoise Sparkling Wine, Chardonnay, 2008 Malbec

Their sparkling wine is made in the style of Champagne – toasty, yeasty, and absolutely delicious with a billion tiny bubbles! Their Chardonnay is not oaky and not buttery, just the way a good white wine should be – with the perfect amount of acid for a refreshing taste. And their Malbec… YUM! Seriously, get a case of their Malbec. It’s insanely fabulous. They have a broad variety of wines in almost every type of grape, as well as reserve labels and single vineyard labels.

Origin: Lontue Valley, Curico Valley, Chile
Next time: Get a case!

Estampa 2008 Sauv Blanc/Chard/Viognier Reserve

This wine was so yummy – the absolute perfect summer wine! This is what I drank throughout the wedding reception, in case I had any spills (you have to watch out for slightly spastic, potentially drunk huggers!). Estampa also has a delightful Carmenere Reserve (2007 vintage, blended with Cab Sauv and Cab Franc), which we didn’t serve since we already had a Malbec… but their Carmenere is one of my new favorites. It’s spurred a recent Carmenere-buying and tasting craze at my house lately – results on that soon now that I’m back to catching up on my wine blogging. Like Valdivieso, this winery also has several collections – Gold, Reserve, and Estate with lots of varietals in each line. And, they get an A+ on a really well-done English version of their website – very savvy and beautiful photos!

Origin: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Next time: Get a case!

Santa Chiara Pinot Grigio

Unfortunately, I can’t find any information about this wine online, except that it is from the Veneto region of Italy. I know it’s less than $20 retail, definitely. Good luck finding this one… If you do, get a bottle, it’s great!
Catalpa Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir was good but I’d like to taste it again after these few months. I’m doubtful this would be a new favorite Pinot. But it was definitely tasty.

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Price: Approx. $12
Next time: Get a glass!

As you might know, I really really like Morande’s Pinot Noir. LOVE IT as a staple everyday wine. $10 bucks, great flavor, it’s convenient and a great buy. And then there’s this Reserve Merlot. What a let-down. Granted, I’m not a huge Merlot fan to begin with (they seem to only rely on tannins for their flavor, in my opinion… not actual flavors). This one proved to be no different. The taste was very tanniny and not a lot of fruit to back it up. The flavor behind the tannins was watery and wimpy. I wasn’t a fan. I think they have a cab, so I’ll give that one a try next. Otherwise, it’s back to their delicious Pinot for me!

On the other hand, W liked this wine. He generally likes tannins and Merlots though. Each to his own!

Origin: Maipo Valley, Chile

Where: Shell Gas Station, DeFoors Ferry Rd.

Price: If only I could find the receipt… will try to remember to look next time I’m there. Under $20.

Next time: I’ll pass.

Veramonte Reserva Pinot Noir

Origin: Casablanca Valley, Chile

Where: Smyrna WOB, $15.99 bottle

Tried this one last week — it was good, not spectacular. Spicier than I expected it would be for a Pinot.

Next time: I’ll pass.

Chile

Fabulous, full of punchy fruit… sweet but with a slight tartness to keep it fresh! Thanks, Muss & Turner’s for the introduction :)

Next time: Get a case!