Visión Gewürztraminer (2006)I really love Gewürtzraminer, but the first time I tried this one I wasn't a huge fan. I'm not really certain why I even picked another bottle up other than I just felt the need to stock up on every day, approachable white wines. I opened this new bottle last night just to have a glass while I watched TV, and as before it struck me that for what it is it was far to hot, or had out of balance alcohol. I stuck it in the fridge and went to bed.
Cono Sur
Gewürztraminer
Casablanca Valley, CHILE
Tonight determined not to waste a bottle of wine I poured some more and was struck by the noticeable difference just since opening the bottle. Perhaps I overestimated this wine on first impressions. Here are my notes:
Appearance: Clear pale wine with a bright golden color.I am incredibly excited about this wine now - it's not often you come across a new-world white with so many layers of complexity. I found myself scribbling more and more notes as I picked up new aromas and flavors. The best part was seriously the finish - peach, peach, peach.
Nose: With a few swirls, and the glass still sitting on the table, the aromas were already flirting with my nose. Pronounces and aromatic, slight indication of age, and very complex aroma levels. Up top was a perfume of dried flowers and honey. Deeper into the glass fruity aromas including ripe apple, pear, and peach come through. Minerality, like chalk, ginger, and some mint complete the bouquet.
Palate: Dry with higher than average acidity, alcohol, and body. Not out of balance though like when I opened it. On the palate there was a slight carbonation and the minerality showed up again reminding me of tonic water. Tropical fruit, apple, lime, and lychee. An outstandingly long finish (5+ seconds) with a resounding flavor of peach and nectarine-like I'd just finished eating one.
Known as a German variety, this is a Chilean Gewürztraminer, and I'm thinking all that ludicrous sunshine has something to do with the 14% alcohol. The concentrated aromas and flavors also remind me of those you might find in the Alsace region of France. Theirs have a touch more sweetness though - this one just has some really bright acidity. If I wanted to summarize this in one word, I think the best term I could find is assertive.
View Larger Map
The Casablanca Valley, part of the Aconcagua region, is well known for the white wines produced there, most notably Chardonnay. Close to the town of Valparaiso and located right along the coast line, this region benefits greatly from ocean breezes.
I'm very pleased that I gave this wine a second chance, even it it was by accident. Happy cows are from California, though I think happy grapes might be from Aconcagua, Chile. Olé!
Cheers!
Posts
