How do 2 native Galician grapes: Mencia & Albariño produce in Chile? I was fortunate enough to participate in a tasting of Galician wines recently and also to find a few rare examples of Galician varietals produced in Chile. Continue reading
Category: Reviews
Wine Review: Tannat–France v. Uruguay
How does Uruguay’s national grape compare to French Tannat? Continue reading
Wine Tourism in Chile: Itineraries from Santiago to the Coast
If you want to visit the coast from Santiago and do some wine tasting, you have several options. Continue reading
Wine Review: Perfect Wines for Fiestas Patrias (Chilean Independence Day)
It’s that time of year again, and Chile’s strong vaccination numbers are allowing limited public celebrations to take place for Dieciocho (Fiestas Patrias) after everyone was resigned to celebrating in their homes last year. For non-Chileans, Fiestas Patrias is typically a week-long national celebration centered around the 18th of September, the day the independence process started with Chile’s first governing body in 1810. Besides family barbecues, each comuna usually organizes public fondas or ramadas with lots of food and drinks along with traditional music, dance, rodeos, games and other performances. Although the traditional alcoholic drink is Chicha and the modern tradition is to drink Terremoto cocktails, there’s usually plenty of Chilean wine and beer too. Therefore, I have two perfect wine recommendations to celebrate Fiestas Patrias. Continue reading
Wine Review: Italian Wines Blind Tasting
Last week, I was able to participate in an Italian wine blind tasting, which is a humbling experience for any wine geek. Continue reading
Wine Review: Wines from Yecla, Spain
After I did a comparison of Mourvedre (Monastrell) about a year ago, I was curious to try more Monastrell from Spain. Continue reading
Wine Review: Petite Sirah–California v. Chile
After tasting several Petite Sirahs in California, I brought one back to compare with a Chilean Petite Sirah. Continue reading
Wine Review: Chilean Pinot Grigio & Viognier
I’m going to try two popular international white grapes that are not really popular in Chile. Should there be more Chilean Pinot Grigio and Viognier in the Chilean market? Continue reading
Wine Pairing: Melted Cheese Dishes
What do I pair with melted cheese dishes like Fondue and Raclette? Continue reading
Wine Tourism: California Wineries Off the Beaten Track
In previous posts about the wines I’ve been drinking during my time in California, I’ve tried to emphasize that there is also good wine being made in California and other parts of the US beyond Napa. Exploring California wine outside of Napa leads you to more diversity in varieties and styles along with cheaper prices. Likewise, visiting wineries outside of Napa also saves you money on tasting fees and brings more adventure exploring new wineries, restaurants and local attractions. Continue reading