Hello All! We welcome you to come travel with us this month to Mexico! Each month we travel to a different region to bring you different styles and tastes of wine. When you come to visit us, get your passport book, and after enjoying your flight get your passport stamped with each region.

Take a look below to see what Mexican red wines we are featuring for you!

2020  ‘Mision’ Tinto
One of the newest additions to the Mexican wine collection, this 3-way blend of red grapes is smooth, fresh, and way too easy to drink. Pair with salmon, grilled chicken, or a mushroom burger slathered in BBQ sauce.
Full bodied dark fruit notes of blackcurrant and plum. The palate is mineral and generous and leads into a dry finish of silky tannins and smooth fruit.

2017 Mejico Mezcla Roja 
This wine is fresh and red fruit-driven with a hint of spices. Velvety tannins with an integrated smooth finish. Aromas of blueberry, coffee bean, fresh herbs.
40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petit Syrah, 30% Tempranillo

2020 Bodegas de Santo Tomas
Tempranillo~Cabernet Sauvignon  Cherry red with purple hue. Plum compote, red berries, spices, toasted. Strong tannin, medium high body. Good acidity. Pairs well with Torta ahogada, bolognese spaghetti, lentils soup. 50% Tempranillo 50% Cabernet Sauvignon Casa Madero 3V is an intense carmine red color with aged nuances. A great aromatic expression of ripe fruits with flashes of red flowers and spices, black currants, blackberries and toasted cocoa. An elegant mouthfeel, powerful and meaty. A long pleasant finish with firm and round tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon 34%, Merlot 33%, Tempranillo 33% Baja California, Mexico’s premier wine region lies in the state of Baja California, where approximately 75% of all of Mexico’s wine is produced. Here, the hot, dry Mediterranean climate shows great similarities to Napa Valley and the Southern Rhone, but with a significant maritime influence as most of Baja’s vineyards are within just 15 miles of the Pacific Ocean. Baja California’s wine county runs from Valle de Guadalupe in the north (about 20 miles northeast of Ensenada), to Valle de San Vicente – about 55 miles south. This stretch of land is roughly twice the length of Napa Valley. The main subregions of Baja include Valle de Guadalupe, Valle de Ojos Negros, Valle de Santo Tomas, Valle de La Grulla, Valle de San Vicente and Puerta Norte. The varied soils, elevations, and microclimates in Baja California make the region home to several of the world’s great wine grapes, as well as obscure blends with more uncommon varietals. With Baja California’s wine country on the rise, it has become one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations among both Mexicans and U.S. visitors. One of the world’s fastest growing wine regions, Baja California, Mexico has recently become a wine and culinary hot spot, offering a rustic and refined setting with distinctively different, terroir-driven wines. It might be hard to fathom, but five hundred years ago, Mexico was an important wine-growing and producing country. It was the Spanish conquistadors who developed the notion that certain high-altitude areas of Mexico were ideal for European grape cultivation. Conquistador Hernan Cortex demanded the planting of thousands of acres and with the Catholic missionaries utilizing this production at mass services. A century later, the Spanish crown began fearing Mexico’s wine dominance and banned its production.

Only Spanish missionaries carried on the cultivation of grapevines and brought the first cuttings to California and its mission colonies. Today’s modern Mexican wine industry is considered a frontier of wine with origins as recent as the late 1970’s. Numerous varietals are planted and the country now boasts of almost eight thousand acres under vine. The vast majority of wine production (upwards of 75%) occurs in the Mexican State of Baja California, just south of Tijuana and clustered around the City of Ensenada. At last count, there were more than 150 wineries operating throughout the Baja California growing area that benefit from the existing Mediterranean climate, the always present Pacific morning fog, and a favorable topography that resembles several parts of Central and Northern California. The Valle de Guadalupe is the principal growing region in Baja California and many scribes have christened it “the Napa Valley” of Mexico. A large number of small boutique wines have risen of late and have found commercial success both in the local markets and in some export markets. The Valle de San Vicente, the southernmost wine growing valley in Baja California, is also a region to note. Red clay soils predominate the best growing sites here and white grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are the best expression of the valley’s terroir. Baja California wines have gained a lot of attention in recent years as their quality has improved, mostly due to better vineyard management and vinification processes. The area has also attracted attention, because innovative blending of diverse grape varietals is common, creating a ‘New World’ style of wine. For instance, a blend of Tempranillo and Nebbiolo is not uncommon.

While Mexican wines are still a rarity in the United States, sage restaurants and wine stores have begun offering a selection of Mexican wines to their customers.  The municipality covers the majority of the state with only the northern and northeastern edges falling outside Ensenada’s remit; these are covered by Playas de Rosarito Tijuana, Tecate and Mexicali. Ensenada’s wine region production centers mostly around the Valle de Guadalupe, to the northeast of Ensenada city. The San Antonio de las Minas, Calafia, Santo Tomas and San Vicente valleys. Casa Madero owns and operates the oldest vineyards and winery in the entire American Continent. 73 years after Hernan Cortez conquered the Aztecs, Don Lorenzo Garcia explored the north of Mexico, and in the midst of a desert, came across a veritable oasis with water springs and abundance of native vines, from whose grapes the first American wine was ever produced. The place was called “Santa Maria de las Parras”, or Holy Mary of the vines, as parras is Spanish for vines. On the 19th of August 1597, Don Lorenzo García took formal possession of a land grant issued to him by Philip II King of Spain, with the express purpose of establishing a vineyard to produce wine and brandy, thus asserting his claim and peaceful use of the land he had settled earlier, thus giving formal birth to the Hacienda de San Lorenzo, which today is Casa Madero. The Americas’ oldest wine producing country, Mexico began to produce wine grapes just one year after the arrival of the Spanish in 1520. In the next decade, King Carlos V of Spain ordered that every ship headed to the New World carry vines for cultivation. Over time viticulture spread northwards through the missions into today’s state of California, but since then Mexican viticulture and winemaking has faced many challenges.

Today the country is experiencing a rebirth with renewed interest in its potential. While there are seven wine producing states in Mexico, the Mediterranean climate of Baja California makes it Mexico’s most important. Most of the state of California’s principal varieties grow here with great success. With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red blend styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics.

Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine. Parras Valley, Mexico is the perfect destination for wine lovers with its miles of vineyards and wineries that produce over 250,000 bottles of wine annually. The valley is home to more than 30 wineries, some as young as 20 years old and others that have been producing wine for almost 100 years. The Parras Valley Wine Region is fParras Valley as a destination has been attracting travelers to its authentic food and culture.Hello All! We welcome you to come travel with us this month to Mexico! Each month we travel to a different region to bring you different styles and tastes of wine. When you come to visit us, get your passport book, and after enjoying your flight get your passport stamped with each region.

Take a look below to see what Mexican red wines we are featuring for you!

2020  ‘Mision’ Tinto
One of the newest additions to the Mexican wine collection, this 3-way blend of red grapes is smooth, fresh, and way too easy to drink. Pair with salmon, grilled chicken, or a mushroom burger slathered in BBQ sauce.
Full bodied dark fruit notes of blackcurrant and plum. The palate is mineral and generous and leads into a dry finish of silky tannins and smooth fruit.

2017 Mejico Mezcla Roja 
This wine is fresh and red fruit-driven with a hint of spices. Velvety tannins with an integrated smooth finish. Aromas of blueberry, coffee bean, fresh herbs.
40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petit Syrah, 30% Tempranillo

2020 Bodegas de Santo Tomas
Tempranillo~Cabernet Sauvignon  Cherry red with purple hue. Plum compote, red berries, spices, toasted. Strong tannin, medium high body. Good acidity. Pairs well with Torta ahogada, bolognese spaghetti, lentils soup. 50% Tempranillo 50% Cabernet Sauvignon Casa Madero 3V is an intense carmine red color with aged nuances. A great aromatic expression of ripe fruits with flashes of red flowers and spices, black currants, blackberries and toasted cocoa. An elegant mouthfeel, powerful and meaty. A long pleasant finish with firm and round tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon 34%, Merlot 33%, Tempranillo 33% Baja California, Mexico’s premier wine region lies in the state of Baja California, where approximately 75% of all of Mexico’s wine is produced. Here, the hot, dry Mediterranean climate shows great similarities to Napa Valley and the Southern Rhone, but with a significant maritime influence as most of Baja’s vineyards are within just 15 miles of the Pacific Ocean.

Baja California’s wine county runs from Valle de Guadalupe in the north (about 20 miles northeast of Ensenada), to Valle de San Vicente – about 55 miles south. This stretch of land is roughly twice the length of Napa Valley. The main subregions of Baja include Valle de Guadalupe, Valle de Ojos Negros, Valle de Santo Tomas, Valle de La Grulla, Valle de San Vicente and Puerta Norte. The varied soils, elevations, and microclimates in Baja California make the region home to several of the world’s great wine grapes, as well as obscure blends with more uncommon varietals. With Baja California’s wine country on the rise, it has become one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations among both Mexicans and U.S. visitors.

One of the world’s fastest growing wine regions, Baja California, Mexico has recently become a wine and culinary hot spot, offering a rustic and refined setting with distinctively different, terroir-driven wines. It might be hard to fathom, but five hundred years ago, Mexico was an important wine-growing and producing country. It was the Spanish conquistadors who developed the notion that certain high-altitude areas of Mexico were ideal for European grape cultivation. Conquistador Hernan Cortex demanded the planting of thousands of acres and with the Catholic missionaries utilizing this production at mass services. A century later, the Spanish crown began fearing Mexico’s wine dominance and banned its production. Only Spanish missionaries carried on the cultivation of grapevines and brought the first cuttings to California and its mission colonies.

Today’s modern Mexican wine industry is considered a frontier of wine with origins as recent as the late 1970’s. Numerous varietals are planted and the country now boasts of almost eight thousand acres under vine. The vast majority of wine production (upwards of 75%) occurs in the Mexican State of Baja California, just south of Tijuana and clustered around the City of Ensenada. At last count, there were more than 150 wineries operating throughout the Baja California growing area that benefit from the existing Mediterranean climate, the always present Pacific morning fog, and a favorable topography that resembles several parts of Central and Northern California. The Valle de Guadalupe is the principal growing region in Baja California and many scribes have christened it “the Napa Valley” of Mexico. A large number of small boutique wines have risen of late and have found commercial success both in the local markets and in some export markets. The Valle de San Vicente, the southernmost wine growing valley in Baja California, is also a region to note. Red clay soils predominate the best growing sites here and white grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are the best expression of the valley’s terroir. Baja California wines have gained a lot of attention in recent years as their quality has improved, mostly due to better vineyard management and vinification processes.

The area has also attracted attention, because innovative blending of diverse grape varietals is common, creating a ‘New World’ style of wine. For instance, a blend of Tempranillo and Nebbiolo is not uncommon. While Mexican wines are still a rarity in the United States, sage restaurants and wine stores have begun offering a selection of Mexican wines to their customers.  The municipality covers the majority of the state with only the northern and northeastern edges falling outside Ensenada’s remit; these are covered by Playas de Rosarito Tijuana, Tecate and Mexicali. Ensenada’s wine region production centers mostly around the Valle de Guadalupe, to the northeast of Ensenada city. The San Antonio de las Minas, Calafia, Santo Tomas and San Vicente valleys. Casa Madero owns and operates the oldest vineyards and winery in the entire American Continent. 73 years after Hernan Cortez conquered the Aztecs, Don Lorenzo Garcia explored the north of Mexico, and in the midst of a desert, came across a veritable oasis with water springs and abundance of native vines, from whose grapes the first American wine was ever produced. The place was called “Santa Maria de las Parras”, or Holy Mary of the vines, as parras is Spanish for vines.

On the 19th of August 1597, Don Lorenzo García took formal possession of a land grant issued to him by Philip II King of Spain, with the express purpose of establishing a vineyard to produce wine and brandy, thus asserting his claim and peaceful use of the land he had settled earlier, thus giving formal birth to the Hacienda de San Lorenzo, which today is Casa Madero. The Americas’ oldest wine producing country, Mexico began to produce wine grapes just one year after the arrival of the Spanish in 1520. In the next decade, King Carlos V of Spain ordered that every ship headed to the New World carry vines for cultivation. Over time viticulture spread northwards through the missions into today’s state of California, but since then Mexican viticulture and winemaking has faced many challenges.

Today the country is experiencing a rebirth with renewed interest in its potential. While there are seven wine producing states in Mexico, the Mediterranean climate of Baja California makes it Mexico’s most important. Most of the state of California’s principal varieties grow here with great success. With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red blend styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics.

Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine. Parras Valley, Mexico is the perfect destination for wine lovers with its miles of vineyards and wineries that produce over 250,000 bottles of wine annually. The valley is home to more than 30 wineries, some as young as 20 years old and others that have been producing wine for almost 100 years. The Parras Valley Wine Region is fParras Valley as a destination has been attracting travelers to its authentic food and culture.

Decanter will take you wine tasting around the world without ever having to leave Sedona. Decanter, situated in the Village of Oak Creek Collective, has quickly become a favorite among both visitors and locals alike; perhaps because no other tasting room in the Verde Valley showcases a new wine region to explore every month. Having recently opened in August of 2019, Decanter has already exhibited wine flights from locations like South Africa and Uruguay. This regional wine tasting approach is the vision of owner and wine enthusiast Ken Ewing, who looks forward to exploring a different New World wine region with his customers every month of the year.

Ken, an avid wine and travel lover, sees his regional tasting method as a way for his customers to “travel locally” and explore the world of wine quite literally. The exploration of New World and unusual wine regions keeps the experience at Decanter fresh. Ken has expressed a desire to bring awareness to wines that perhaps his customers haven’t tried before; he doesn’t want to serve the “same old wines you have already tried”. Ken’s experience working with Kendall-Jackson made him see that the new world wine market has the ability for exponential growth and he himself has an everlasting passion for wine.

Of course there is always room for growth. Ken is looking forward to expanding Decanter by adding a beautiful patio area and growing their food menu in the upcoming months. Decanter has a special place in Ken’s heart because he sees it as a legacy to grow and leave to his son. When asked how much he wanted to grow and expand in the future, Trevor Ewing, Ken’s son, laughingly said “the Starbucks of wine”. Though he was joking we can all agree that no one would be sorry to see a Decanter on every block!

Perhaps the warm comfortable atmosphere of Decanter can be attributed to the friendly work environment that Ken fosters, saying “I don’t want my employees to work for me, but with me.” Perhaps it’s due to the enjoyment of so many new wines in a fun and not “stuffy” atmosphere. Perhaps the unique atmosphere of Decanter can be attributed to the fact that you can feel Ken and his staff’s passion for the exploration of wine and its many lesser-known regions. After all, where else than Decanter can you taste around the world without ever having to leave Sedona!

Hello All! We welcome you to come travel with us this month to Chile! Each month we travel to a different region to bring you different styles and tastes of wine. When you come to visit us, get your passport book, and after enjoying your flight get your passport stamped with each region.

Take a look below to see what Chilean wines we are featuring for you!

For our White Flight we are featuring the following wines…

Los Vascos 2018 Sauvignon Blanc
Los Vascos wines blend Lafite tradition with the unique terroir of Chile to create elegant wines that bring exceptional to the everyday. The region is Casablanca Valley, Chile-Produced by Domaines Barons de Rosthchild (Lafite). The Grapes are 100% Sauvignon Blanc, cool climate grown. This wine is fresh and juicy with an abundance of white peaches, pineapple, lychees, and pears with herb tints. The palate is fresh and develops with a balanced, persistent acidity. This wine is to be enjoyed on its own, or with salads, white meats and seafood dishes.

Casas Del Bosque 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
This single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is grown on sandy loam soils, directly around their family cellar in Casablanca. Covered by morning fog and cooled by Pacific Ocean breezes, this is one of the coolest sites for this grape in their valley and worldwide. A sustainable approach to winemaking allows us to craft a bright, crisp wine with wonderful minerality and length. Enjoy this full body, acidic, flavorful finish wine on its own or with any seafood dish.

Calcu Gran Reserva Rosé Malbec 2020
Calcu means “magician” in the indigenous Chilean language-Mapuche. Calcu Gran Reserva is the result of an exceptional terroir. Located in Marchigue-Colchagua Valley, just 29 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, its vineyards have granitic soils with a high clay content and low fertility. These conditions deliver a fantastic natural concentration, structure and elegance to its wines. Very pale and elegant pink in color, on the nose it is a very expressive Rose with notes of tropical fruits, such as mango and fresh strawberries on a delicate floral background. On the palate you’ll enjoy fresh and juicy wine, with a great balance between power and elegance, with a crisp, clean and dry finish. The grapes are 90% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot. This you will enjoy on its own and with meaty, oily fish dishes.

Estelado Brut~Rosé 2018
The PAÍS grape varietal was the first to arrive in Chile in the 16th century. Grown by a large number of small farmers, this varietal “PAÍS” has long been forgotten and undervalued until it was recently rediscovered for making top quality wines. Each bottle of sparkling “PAIS” consumed helps to create demand and, as a result, better conditions for the wine~growers of Chile! This beautiful sparkling wine gives you a light taste of berries and cream. Enjoy a glass on its own, with meaty, oily fish, or a light berry dessert.

For our Red Flight we are featuring the following wines…

Montes Alpha Carmenére 2018
Montes Alpha wines have been crafted using grapes selected from their vineyards in the Colchagua Valley, which are irrigated under their Sustainable Dry Farming regime. Developed by Aurelio Montes and his team after of research and investigation, this viticultural practice now allows them to determine the exact level of irrigation required by vines after the winter rains, resulting in a 65% decrease in their water footprint and in wines with enhanced fruitiness and aromatic expression. Intense purplish red with potent fruit aromas marked by red and black fruits such as blueberries, plums, and tart plums complemented by notes of fresh black and red pepper, candied fruits, and spices. 12 months in French Oak barrels lend complexity and toasted aromas that pair very well with the fruity characteristics of the Carmenére. This intense and fruity palate has a lactic note as well as excellent soft, round tannins that pair perfectly with ripe black fruits, mocha, and chocolate. A bold, long pleasing, velvety finish that you will enjoy with beef or venison.

Maquis Cabernet Franc 2018
This wine is made from Cabernet Franc grapes grown between the Chimbarongo Creek and the Tinguiririca River on the Maquis Estate in central Colchagua Valley. The two-meter-deep alluvial soil with 35% clay content is ideal for producing Cabernet Franc grapes that are full and rich yet display balance and elegance. This is a big, bold and structured wine, that pairs beef and venison.

Casas Del Bosque Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Casas Del Bosque is a family-owned boutique winery in Rapel Valley, whose renowned quality of wines, especially for their excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is a classic example of this varietal, one which has received numerous accolades both in Chile and abroad. Made from fruit sourced from vineyards in the Maipo Valley, a terroir which consistently delivers an elegant and balanced style of Cabernet Sauvignon, which is bold and structured, pairing well with beef and venison.

Penalolen Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Maipo Valley is one of Chile’s most important wine producing regions located just south of the capital, Santiago, on the edge of the foothills of the Andes, With this wine you will enjoy candied black currants, raspberries, plums and blackberries with elegant notes if sweet chocolate, mocha and coffee. Aromas of dried herbs, flowers and a mineral touch enhance the complexity. In the mouth, a structure of velvety tannins is balanced by a voluptuous texture, with a long bright finish of fruit, spicy chocolate and tobacco. This also pairs well with beef and venison, as well as alone.

Chilean Wine History
Chilean wine has a long history for a New World wine region, as it was the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors brought Vitis vinifera vines with them as they colonized the region. In the mid-19th century, French wine varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère and Franc were introduced. In the early 1980s, a renaissance began with the introduction of stainless steel fermentation tanks and the use of oak barrels for aging. Wine exports grew very quickly as quality wine production increased. The number of wineries grew from 12 in 1995 to over 70 in 2005.

A large number of French people immigrated to Chile during the late 20th century, bringing more viticultural knowledge to the country. Chile is now the fifth largest exporter of wines in the world, and the seventh largest producer.The climate has been described as midway between that of California and France. The most common grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère. So far Chile has remained free of the phylloxera louse, which means that the country’s grapevines do not need to be grafted with phylloxera-resistant rootstocks.

Since December 1994, the Chilean wine-producing regions have been officially defined as follows, to help identify the different features of wines produced in different parts of Chile’s variable geography. The Chilean ministry of agriculture redefined in a decree of May 2018 the zonal winegrowing structure.

Atacama Region
Named after the Atacama Region administrative territory, this region is divided into two valleys, Copiapó and Huasco, both of which are coterminous with the provinces of the same names. The region is known primarily for its Pisco[8] and table grapes, but in the 1950s wine began to be produced on a small scale around Copiapó. Examples of wine from these valleys include “Vino Copiapino” (literally, “Copiapó’s Wine”) by Viña Fajardo and Pajarete wine, a varietal from Spain that is now produced successfully in the Huasco Valley.

Coquimbo Region
The Coquimbo Region contains three wine-producing sub regions: Elqui, Limarí and Choapa, all are coterminous with the provinces of the same name.

The Elqui Valley is located 530 km (330 mi) north of Santiago, at the southern end of the Atacama Desert in the Coquimbo Region. It is known for producing table grapes and other fruits, as well as Pisco, Chile’s most popular liquor. But it is also notable for being the most commercially viable wine-producing region of northern Chile.

The region’s vineyards extend from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Andes Mountains in the east, rising to an altitude of 2,000 m.a.s.l. (6,500 feet). Wine production began in the Elqui Valley in the 1990s when Chilean wine producers began to look at potential viticulture sites outside the Chilean Central Valley. Since then, 286 hectares (710 acres) of vines have been planted, mostly along the River Elqui valley, where grape growers have access to high-quality water for irrigation. The region is characterized by a sunny, desert-like climate, less than 70 mm (2.8 in) of annual rainfall, dry rocky terrain, steep valleys and temperate hills cooled by strong winds from the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, producing excellent results for varietals like Syrah.

The Limarí Valley is located roughly 470 km (290 mi) north of Santiago, in the Coquimbo region.Vines were first planted here in the mid-16th century and have seen a recent resurgence, due to new technologies and winemakers seeking new terroirs. The area is best known for producing Sauvignon and Chardonnay, first planted during the 1990s, and also successfully produces Syrah and Pinot noir, with a climate similar to Marlborough in New Zealand. The Pacific Ocean has a strong influence on the coast of the region with the cooling Camanchaca, a fog that enters the valley from the west each morning and retreats as the sun rises over the Andes from the east. With less than 4 inches of rainfall per year, drip irrigation is used to water the vines that grow in the mineral-rich soil. The combination creates fresh wines with a distinct mineral edge.

The Choapa Valley lies around 400 km (250 mi) north of Santiago, in the southern part of the Coquimbo Region. Like the Atacama, this region is primarily known for Pisco and table grapes. It lies within the narrowest part of Chile, where the Andes meet the Coastal Range and consists of two sectors, Illapel and Salamanca. There are no wineries in either of these sectors, but vines planted on the rocky, foothill soils produce small quantities of high quality Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with high acidity and low pH, which is increasing wine producers’ interest in the area. Only one brand of wine, De Martino Syrah, currently holds the DO of “Choapa Valley”.

Aconcagua Region
Main article: Aconcagua (wine region)The administrative region of Valparaíso contains two wine-producing subregions, the Aconcagua and Casablanca valleys. The Aconcagua Valley is coterminous with the province of San Felipe de Aconcagua Province while the Casablanca Valley is coterminous with the commune of that name. The Panquehue commune is also gradually developing a reputation for high quality wine production.

In the Aconcagua Valley, snow melt from Aconcagua and the surrounding mountains is used to irrigate the vines.

The small 1,098 hectare winegrowing area is well known for its red wines, which have earned international acclaim, with Vina Errázuriz’s “Seña” placing ahead of both Château Lafite and Château Margaux in blind tasting held in Berlin in 2004, a milestone for the Chilean wine industry. Although the valley is primarily known for the red grapes grown in its interior, white grapes are also now being grown in new coastal plantations.

The Casablanca Valley takes its name from the commune where it is located, and stretches roughly 30 km (19 mi) east-west from eastern border of the Valparaíso province in the Valparaíso region.Vines were first planted here in the mid-1980s during the revitalization of the Chilean wine industry and the area quickly became known for its white wines, most notably Sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot noir, which thrives in its cooler climate. Although the valley is located at 33°S, much closer to the Equator than any European vineyard, viticulture here is possible because of the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, in the shape of cool morning fog and greater cloud cover than is found elsewhere in the north of Chile. Free-draining clay and sandy soils, whilst good for viticulture, encourage nematodes, so grafting onto nematode-resistant rootstocks is common.

San Antonio Valley is a small wine region known for producing Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay.

It is located very close to the sea around the city of San Antonio, Chile, south of the Casablanca Valley and only 55 miles (89 km) west of Santiago. As in other Chilean wine regions, like the Casablanca Valley, San Antonio is highly influenced by the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean which makes wine production possible in this area. Soils are in the valley are granitic, poor and well drained with a topsoil of clay, providing a good substrate for vines. Rains are concentrated mainly in the winter season and the vineyards require drip irrigation for the rest of the year, using water from the Maipo river. The San Antonio Valley is seen as an up-and-coming wine region and the wine industry is expected to continue growing in the future.

Over twenty grape varieties are grown in Chile, mainly a mixture of Spanish and French varieties, but many wineries are increasing experimentation in higher numbers. For most of Chile’s history, Pais was the most widely planted grape only recently getting passed by Cabernet Sauvignon. Other red wine varieties include Merlot, Carménère, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet franc, Pinot noir, Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera, Malbec, and Carignan. White wine varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Sauvignon vert, Sémillon, Riesling, Viognier, Torontel, Pedro Ximénez, Gewürztraminer and Muscat of Alexandria.

Chilean winemakers have been developing a distinct style for their Cabernet Sauvignon, producing an easy drinking wine with soft tannins and flavors of mint, black currant, olives and smoke. The country’s Chardonnays are less distinctive, following more the stereotypical New World style. While sparkling wines have been made since 1879, they have not yet established a significant place in Chile’s wine portfolio. In recent years, the Pais grape variety has been creatively employed on its own or in blends, to make modern wines that have received favorable reviews.

Merlot and Sauvignon blanc
In the late 20th century as Chilean wines became more popular, wine tasters around the world began to doubt the authenticity of wines labeled Merlot and Sauvignon blanc. The wines lack many of the characteristics and typicity of those grapes. Ampelographers began to study the vines and found that what was considered Merlot was actually the ancient Bordeaux wine grape Carménère that was thought to be extinct. The Sauvignon blanc vines were found to actually be Sauvignonasse, also known as Sauvignon vert, or a mutated Sauvignon blanc/Sémillon cross. In response to these discoveries several Chilean wineries began to import true Merlot and Sauvignon blanc cuttings to where most bottles labeled Merlot and Sauvignon blanc from vintages in the 21st century are more likely to be those varieties.

Hello All! We welcome you to come travel with us this month to South Africa! Each month we travel to a different region to bring you different styles and tastes of wine. When you come to visit us, get your passport book, and after enjoying your flight get your passport stamped with each region. Take a look below to learn which South African wines we are featuring for you!
For our White Flight we are featuring the following wines….

Fleur Du Cap, Chenin Blanc, 2021
This wine is brilliantly clear. The nose is fresh with intense aromas of citrus, apples and a stone fruit with a touch of oak spice, carried through to the palate. The time spend on the lees adds to the creaminess and roundness of the wine. It has a lingering crispy finish.
This wine works wonders with seafood such as shellfish, crayfish, oysters and mussels. It is a good choice with Thai and light chicken dishes as well as a mild bobotie. Serve chilled, but not ice cold.

The Western Cape’s diverse palette of wine growing regions allow Fleur Du Cap the perfect canvas to make wines that express the essence of a varietal. A masterful selection of fruit combined with the creativity of our winemakers, result in wines that express our vision, “freedom of expression.”

Excelsior, Sauvignon Blanc, 2021
An enticing bouquet of passion fruit, lime and ripe fig leads to complex flavors of citrus, herbs and gooseberry on the palate. A bracing acidity and long fruity finish balance out this invigorating, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc.Simply try on its own, or with fresh fish, oysters, or Asian style chicken.
The De Wets of Excelsior have a proud winemaking tradition dating back to 1967. The calcareous soils of the Robertson area were once used to raise champion thoroughbred horses, but now these soils are used to produce fine wines.

Mulderbosch, Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, 2021
With its burnished copper hues it radiates charm, and the promise of a deliciously refreshing drop of wine. Fresh strawberries and a subtle chalky note define the nose. The palate is framed by beautifully balanced, succulent fruit flavours and a fine, mineral finish. palate has an effortless poise about it. Sweet-fruited Cabernet Sauvignon flavours and early-picked natural acidity make for an intense palate that refreshes with each sip.
Mulderbosch is widely considered one of South Africa’s iconic wineries and has established a reputation for excellence since 1989. They are tireless in their pursuit of making wines of the highest quality to honor their proud heritage and to be enjoyed by all!

Graham Beck Brut, NV, Methode Cap Classique
Affectionately dubbed the “President’s Choice”, the Brut NV was served at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration ceremony.
NV — Non-Vintage. Meaning the bottle of sparkling wine is a blend of juice from more than one vintage year.
This delightful sparkling wine exudes light yeasty aromas, limey fresh fruit on the nose, and rich creamy complexity on the palate. This Brut NV is intended to cleanse the palate, stimulate the taste buds and entice you to progress to the ‘next level’ in your tasting journey as you savour the nuances and complexities of the other bubblies in our portfolio. When introduced to the Brut NV your love affair with Graham Beck begins – this versatile and engaging bubbly will soon become an absolute staple in your repertoire. Always ensure you have a bottle or several stashed in the refrigerator!Perfect with seafood or light meats.

You’ll be in good company indeed when savouring this iconic Graham Beck bubbly.In the pursuit of the perfect bubble, their passion and pride shine through in every meticulous step to craft Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines which define elegance and complexity. The Brut NV strikes the perfect balance between creamy nuances and fresh finesse which is a firm favorite of international icons and everyday wine lovers alike.
For our Red Flight we are featuring the following wines….

The Pepper Pot, David Finlayson, 2019
Made from grown grapes in the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions, this wine is created to show the fresh, fruity and spice driven flavors of these Rhone varietals. The color is youthful and purple/red. The nose is one of crushed black pepper, dark mulberry and mixed berry coulis. Made from grapes grown in the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions from multiple vineyards, ranging from close to the Indian Ocean to the mountains of Paarl. Pure, clean dark red berry flavours flow onto a smooth palate with sufficient structure to warrant enjoyment with food such as Gourmet Pizza with Carpaccio and rocket salad.

Braai Pinotage, 2020
The earliest archaeological evidence of barbecue (Braai) is found in South Africa. On September 24th of each year the country celebrates Heritage Day, which in 2007 was renamed Braai4Heritage as a testament to its cultural importance in South Africa. The essence of braai is captured in this Pinotage, South Africa’s only native grape that is a hybrid between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, a perfect pairing for meat cooked over a wood flame. Brimming with juicy dark fruit and a bright, balanced acidity.Braai is a noun, a verb, a way of life. Unlike barbecues, which are mainly reserved for the warmer months in many parts of the world, South Africans braai all year round in any type of weather!“Braai” can refer to the grill, the meal, the act of cooking said meal or an event in which everyone gathers around the fire. A proper braai only uses wood as the fuel source, which allows the smoke to envelope meat, fish and veggies alike. Braaing takes time, providing the opportunity for everyone to gather around the fire and enjoy each other’s company as the food slowly cooks to perfection (alongside some great wine of course!).They are passionate about braaiing, which prompted our mission to not only share the concept here at home in the US, but also to craft a wine that captures its essence. We wanted the perfect wines to pour at our own braais!

This South African grape pairs wonderfully with BBQ and meats like lamb, game and pork chops. It is also a surprisingly good pairing with curry.
Cabernet Sauvignon, David Finlayson, 2019
Produced from four outstanding clones of Cabernet Sauvignon planted on different sites in the Stellenbosch area. Made to exude absolute purity of varietal character and as such display true Cabernet Sauvignon cassis and black current flavors. The wine has a fresh, minty herbaceousness backed by mocha/vanilla oak. Firm structured tannins and a long finish on the palate show good ageing potential.
Intense aromas of ripe plums and blackberries with hints of pinewood and wet soil. Medium-bodied with juicy fruit, soft tannins and a savory finish.
David Finlayson’s robust Cabernet Sauvignon provides the ideal companion to many dishes, including Ossobuco, Braised Venison served with caramelized onions, and dry aged beef, preferably in the form of a Rib-Eye, Porterhouse, or Tomahawk steak, topped with Portabella mushrooms and a rich, herb-infused sauce. Ground Turkey and Lentil Chili makes a delicious accompaniment, too, as do fine ripe cheeses such as Comté and Gouda. Bon Appétit!

Glenelly Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019
It develops a very complex nose with flavours of cassis, blackcurrant, cherry, a touch of spices and perfume. The wine has a good tannin structure, perfect balance and length, with flavours of cedar, dried cherry and blackcurrant on the palette.
Inspired by antique glasses from May de Lencquesaing’s private collection, Glenelly’s Glass Collection celebrates the parallels between the art of making wine and the art of making glass. Both glass and fine wine come from poor soil, and just as the glassblower breathes life into glass, the winemaker’s love gives life to wine.

Pair this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon with burgers and ribs from the grill, tourtiere, slow-braised beef blade roast.
South Africa is one of the most prominent wine-producing countries in the Southern Hemisphere. Since the end of apartheid, the South African wine industry has enjoyed international attention and acclaim for its wide variety of wine styles and grape varieties.
South African wine has a history dating back to 1659 with the first bottle being produced in Cape Town by its founder and gouverner Jan van Riebeeck. Access to international markets led to new investment in the South African wine market.

The South African wine regions are principally the Coastal Region, Klein Karoo, Cape South Coast, Olifants River, Breede River Valley, and several further wards not part of a region. The main hub concentrating in the Stellenbosch and Paarl districts. All wine country is beautiful, but South Africa’s surely has to be the most dramatic; with the striking views of Table Mountain, luscious green pastures contrasting with brilliant white façades of colonial Dutch architecture.

The wine lover is completely spoilt for choice here, with so many exceptional wineries of varying styles in a relatively small area – the Western Cape. Stunning boutique hotels, fine dining and modern gastronomic experiences, spectacular scenery, legendary wineries, and modern cellars. Visiting South Africa’s wine country is an unforgettable experience.

With more than 300 years of history, South African winemaking is often described as bridging the gap between the Old World and New. The majority of wines are made using New World winemaking techniques but often have more in common stylistically with their Old World counterparts.
Vineyards are found distributed around the lush, rugged landscape of the Western Cape. Here, the abundance of mountains, valleys and plateaus allow winemakers to produce a diverse range of styles. Wineries are also found in the Northern Cape’s Orange River region, where the flat, barren landscape is dominated by the Kalahari Desert.

ClimateMost of South Africa’s wine-producing regions have a Mediterranean climate, significantly influenced by the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Vineyards are rarely found more than 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the coastline.

This proximity allows for cooling sea breezes to penetrate into the vineyards of which is particularly beneficial throughout the summer months. It also moderates the temperature so that spring-time frosts are uncommon at the crucial time of flowering and budburst.

Said moisture-laden breezes are funnelled through the Cape mountain range with the undulating landscape creating multiple mesoclimates for viticulture. This is also true with seasonal fog in March and August but it is ‘The Cape Doctor’ southwesterly wind that is most influential. It vehemently blows during spring and summer to inhibit the development of various mildew diseases in the vineyard.

Grape varietiesThe country’s signature variety is Pinotage, an indigenous crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut that is rarely found in quantity in any other wine-producing country. Shiraz is widely planted also, as are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often found together in a Bordeaux Blend).
However, it is white grape varieties that account for 55 percent of the country’s 93,000 hectares (230,000 acres) of vineyards. Chenin Blanc is the republic’s most planted grape with 18.5 percent of all plantings. While it has not retained its earlier dominance within vineyards as a source of brandy and fortified wines, it retains its number one position having largely transitioned into a role providing crisp dry white wines.

However, the finest white wines are produced from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, both of which have become popular on an international level in recent years. The Cape style of Chardonnay is an perfect exemplar of the crossover between New and Old World styles of wine whilst South African Sauvignon Blanc is widely unoaked with top examples displaying honeysuckle, green melon and minerality.

The Wine of Origin system, a legal structure introduced in 1972 to acknowledge and protect the diversity of terroir in the country, classifies South Africa into the regions, districts and wards where vineyards are found.

History of South African winemakingVines were first planted in South Africa by Dutch settlers in the 1650s, although wine production did not really begin to take off until French Huguenots arrived with viticultural skills and knowledge in the 1680s. South Africa’s oldest wine estate is located in Constantia, where the production of the legendary dessert wine Vin de Constance gave the region worldwide fame in the 18th and 19th centuries. Stellenbosch is equally historic as a wine-producing region, the first vineyards having been planted in the 1690s.

The South African wine industry suffered numerous setbacks during the 19th and 20th centuries. A devastating outbreak of phylloxera in the 1860s severely reduced the vineyard area. The subsequent replanting – often using high-yielding grape varieties such as Cinsaut – led to large-scale overproduction.

This in turn prompted the South African government to fund the Kooperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika (the South African Co-Operative Wine Growers Association, better known as KWV). Throughout the 20th Century, KWV restricted the production of wines in such a way that innovation was near impossible and quantity was prioritized over quality.

Yields were restricted and minimum prices set at a level which encouraged production of brandy and fortified wine. KWV’s control over the South African wine sector lasted until the 1990s, and even now, the country’s industry is unusual for its high number of co-operatives.

South African wine fell out of favor internationally during the 20th Century, reaching an all time low when trade sanctions were placed on the country in the 1980s due to its apartheid policies. Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990 and subsequent election as President reinvigorated the industry: wines from the Rust en Vrede estate in Stellenbosch were served at his 1993 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony dinner in Oslo, Norway.

More recently, one of the most challenging years for the South African wine industry was 2020 with the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. From the 26th of March until the 16th of April any trade or manufacturing of alcoholic products was prohibited. Thankfully, a concession was made for the wine industry to complete harvest-related activities, however, restrictions on the domestic sale and transport of alcohol around the country were enforced well into 2021.–