Colchagua Valley, Chile – $12
Chile makes some pretty awesome wine. Specializing in reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah, this skinny South American country has been cranking out wines that compete with California and France.
In a recent staff tasting, we cruised through a couple cases of quality vino and found some pretty damn good wines. When we tasted the 2007 Montes ‘Classic Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon, we were really impressed.
Before you even smell it, the wine looks beautiful, rocking an intense, inky color. At first whiff, you instantly realize this wine could kick all of our asses at the same time. Deeply concentrated, this Chilean bad-boy brings rich flavors of black cherries, espresso and chocolate. While there are tannins and a lick of oak present, neither are overwhelming.
After a sip, the wine begs you to clean off your kitchen table, light some candles, grill a steak and put on the Marvin Gaye. Whether it’s a date, a party, or just hanging out on a Tuesday night, this is a wine that brings it’s A-Game.
Drink liberally with a juicy steak, grilled portobello mushrooms with polenta or pizza with a chunky tomato sauce.
