Back to The Future - Modern Takes on South American Tradition and Terroir

On the way home from work or after a quick bite of dinner, join us on Wednesday, October 10, from 5-7:30pm for a delicious look at some of the most fascinating “back to the future” wines of Chile and Argentina.  Jonathan Chaplin from South American specialist importer Brazos Wine will be on hand to pour and discuss six outstanding South American gems, including a stunning Wine Advocate 94 point Cabernet Franc!  The tasting is FREE and you can come and go as you like – but please RSVP if you can so we know how many guests to expect.

First Chile and then Argentina burst into the American wine scene with a bevy of rich, fruit-filled, frankly New World wines that delivered immediate satisfaction at fine bargain prices.  Even as the buzz for these regions has died down considerably over the past decade, both regions have begun to evolve in fascinating ways.  A new generation of winegrowers have been going back to their regions’ roots, rejuvenating old vineyards, and introducing a range of exciting wines of delicious character that deliver an exciting sense of place.

Importer Brazos Wines specializes in uncovering and promoting just these kinds of wines, and Jonathan will be pouring and discussing six exciting examples:

Prisma Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley 2017 - A revelation if you've only ever had super-grassy SB from Chile! Hand harvested, sustainably grown, and including s some of the region's oldest Sauvignon vines (from 1982).

Rafael Tirado Vistalago Mezcla Blanca Maule Valley 2017 - Whatever you're expecting from Chile, it's probably not a blend of Riesling, Chardonnay and Torontel that drinks like a cross between Vermentino and dry Muscat! Fascinating.

Vina Maitia Aupa Pipeno Maule Valley 2017 - As Wine Advocate said in the 92 point review of the 2016, this is a "super-tasty and gulpable" blend of Mission ("Pais" in Chile") and Carignan.

Montsecano Refugio Pinot Noir 2016 - Biodynamic, single-vineyard, Pinot that Wine Advocate rated 93 points and called, "very fresh, focused and complex."

Bodega Superuco Calcareo Granito de Tupungato Cabernet Franc 2015 - From a project focusing on the soul and terroir of Mendoza's Uco Valley, this rare Wine Advocate 94 point Cab Franc drinks like boosted-up Chinon. A stunner.

Finca Adalgisa Malbec 2012 - No fruity Malbec here! This is from a one-hectare vineyard planted in 1916 in Luján de Cuyo and the winemaking is as old-school as the vines. At age six, this is the current release of a wine that evokes old-time Bordeaux.

We’ll have some nibbles from the cheese case out to enjoy with the wine and loads of great information (and special pricing, too!) to share during the tasting.  Take a little mid-week wine break with us and bring a friend or two!  While the tasting is free, please RSVP online or by emailing, calling, or just visiting us in the store and then come by anytime from 5-7:30 to learn more about these two increasingly dynamic regions.