Argentinean & Chilean Wines

Last week I went to Carnivale for their Chilean and Argentinean wine and food paring AFTER the three hour Canadian wine tasting! As you can imagine I was half lit by then and about three sheets to the wind.  I met my other girlfriend and didn’t learn anything because I was not only inebriated but we had way to much to catch up on! She’s in love.

I must say though that Carnivale really puts on a great tasting event and you give it a go. They are really organized, the format is friendly, laid back and educational while entertaining. It strikes a nice balance for people who want to learn more about wine in a fun, none snobby way. They also have a great wine director who doesn’t take herself to seriously and she really encouraged everyone to relax and enjoy while learning. We had a good time.

Chile is the fourth largest exporter to the U.S., the first largest exporter to Latin America and is the ninth largest producer in the world and is known best for its Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenere–the grape that was called Merlot until 1998 when it was discovered to be the extinct Carmenere…surprise, surprise…and became Chili’s best kept secret. Another interesting fact was that Chili was never hit by the phylloxera louse.

Malbec is Argentina’s baby; it put Argentina on the wine map and has given them their identity in the wine world. Argentina’s viticulture roots come from Spain and while historically they were more interested in quantity rather than quality because they consumed 90% of what they produced, they’ve come full circle and Argentina is now the fifth leading wine producer in the world and the second biggest wine exporter to Latin America.

One Argentinean Malbec that I especially enjoyed at this tasting was La Flor de Pulenta Malbec. Malbec is the once popular black wine grape that was grown in Bordeaux, France, but since 2000 has lost popularity largely due to its susceptibility to diseases and its rustic character that doesn’t fit the modern drinker’s palate.

This Malbec was fresh, light and quite fragrant with floral aromas and spice. Fresh blackberry and mint flavors. I can’t tell you what the “mouth feel” was or if it had a short or long finish, that is for an entirely different blog…are we still talking about wine? Are those terms wine related? Oh boy wait until I cover rim variation and thickness! Wine education The Wench’s style. You will never forget your wine terms or what they mean. Ha!