Aresti Estate Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Chile — €8 (reduced from €10.99)
The Aresti family of Chile have had a relationship with SuperValu for 10 years and the wines have gotten better and better. SuperValu feel that Aresti wines have helped build confidence in the supermarket’s range of wine generally and they are probably correct.
The estate is family owned and was founded in 1951 but bottled under their own label since 1999. Three generations of the family is involved and the wine-making team I met at a recent tasting demonstrated passion and a good knowledge of the wines we like in Ireland.
What this means is crisp fresh flavours across the range and careful use of oak. The Special Release Chardonnay for example has richness and vanilla spice from the fact that 20% of the grapes underwent their second malo-lactic fermentation in French oak, but the wine remains fresh and clean and a bargain at just €10.
Similarly the Gewurztraminer has typical rose petal and lychee aromas but retains its acidity unlike many a Chilean Gewurz.
Recommendations this week include some bargains from Aresti and two old favourites of mine from Alentejo. Visit www.malhadinhanova.pt to get an idea of how idyllic the Alentejo can be.
The Ballymaloe Literary Festival has lots of wine and drinks related events on the fringe as well as in the main festival. Last year there were impromptu (free) tastings of everything from “en rama” (unfiltered) Fino Sherry to chocolate stouts. Visit litfest.ie for more details.
Smoked Salmon – which is best: Wine, Craft Cider or Whiskey? 3.30-4.30pm — tomorrow, Kerrygold Ballymaloe LitFest with Leslie Williams, Dave Broom (whiskey writer), Daniel Emerson (Stonewell Cider) and Anthony Creswell of Ummera Smoked Salmon.
The higher end Aresti Sauvignons have an asparagus character which is not to my personal taste but all are well made. This was my favourite of the three from the Curico valley in central Chile. Fine fresh, clean Sauvignon with bright citrus and gooseberry aromas and a lime and greengage crisp finish. Perfect for summer.
Aresti’s entry-level Merlot and the Reserva version are both excellent and show character and a little structure, unlike many of their competitors. I liked that this was fermented a little cooler to bring out fine cherry and blackberry fruit. Drink a little cooler than room temperature for best results.
Syrah is the new trend in Chile and well worth investigating. This is from Maipo and has classic blackcurrant aromas mixed with a hint of tar and rubber. On the palate this is fruity and slightly spicy (oak influenced) with a hint of chocolate and characterful dark fruit.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (59%) and small amounts of Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Viognier. Grapes are hand harvested, de-stemmed and malo-lactic fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. Intense aromas of green bell pepper and soft blackcurrant fruit with fine lingering sweet black fruit flavours. Well worth €20.
Produced by Herdade da Malhadinha Nova who are easily one of the best producers in Alentejo (and Portugal). This is also one to watch out for if you visit the Algarve this Summer. Fragrant, soft and very juicy in style with rich blackberry and dark cherry flavours and a lingering fruity finish.
A blend of Aragonez (Tempranillo) and Touriga Nacional this is a rich deep pink colour with lovely raspberry and cherry fruit and a lot more depth than most rosé while remaining dry. This is not cheap for a rosé but this will work very well with barbecues this weekend and match any spicy Indian curry.
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