Join us for our weekly wine flight 4 - 8pm $16 for 5 pours with 3 additional for purchase.

For this week's flight let's do a little comparison between Chile and Argentina. Emily from Handcrafted will be here to talk about the wines so quiz her.

While they both occupy the southwestern part of South America they are quite different. This is probably too simplistic, but you can compare the 2 regions to the Willamette Valley and eastern Oregon and Washington. Chile being coastal with more rain and cooler temperature and Argentina being hotter with much drier conditions due the rain shadow of the Andes mountains.

Chile

It’s often said that Chile is the only major wine-producing country where you can ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon. With an average width of just 110 miles, grapes grown throughout Chile benefit from a unique combination of influences: The Andes in the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the valleys and Central Mountain range that lies between the two. Add to that a north-south distance of 2,654 miles, and the diversity of micro-climates is seemingly infinite.

The Andes run along Chile’s eastern border with Argentina, from the desert north to the more verdant south of Patagonia. But those towering mountains provide more than just altitude changes: as a result of the breezes that sweep into the valleys below, they provide a perfect cooling counterpoint to the ample sunshine, resulting in wines of balance and tension. Add to that a panoply of sedimentary soils, and Chile has all the ingredients necessary for world-class wines.

Argentina

The majority of Argentina's vineyards are located at the base of the Andes Mountains, in an area with both ample sunshine and snowmelt for irrigation. These conditions result in plump, deep-colored wines of which Malbec is the most important variety. High elevation vineyards (upwards of 7,500 ft!) have cool nighttime temperatures which help to maintain acidity in the wines. Beyond Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and an aromatic white called Torrontés are all well-worth exploring.

Mendoza is the largest, most important wine region, accouting for 75% of Argentina's vineyards. Red wines are the focus here and certain areas stand out above the rest in terms of quality. For example, the sub-regions of Maipú, Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley have the highest elevations, which result in wines with higher acidity. The acid adds freshness and age-ability. Other Mendoza regions offer terrific value, including San Raphael and Santa Rosa, where there are many old vines plots producing more concentrated wines.

The Flight

Casas del Bosque La Cantera Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Chile $21 - The grapes come from the “La Cantera” vineyard, planted on a red clay hillside of decomposed granite, facing east, very exposed to the sun and the sea breezes characteristic of the Casablanca Valley.As clean, fresh and focused as Chilean Sauvignon Blanc comes, this is a good-value, stainless steel-fermented white with some subtle, gunflint reduction on the nose, passion fruit and gooseberry flavours, a touch of saltiness and a chiselled finish. 

Santa Julia + Malbec 2024, Argentina $15 - Maipu, Santa Rosa & Uco Valley vineyards, Mendoza. Good complexity in the nose with typical Malbec aromas of ripe fruits such as figs, plums, blackberries and marmalades. Notes of vanilla, tobacco , coffee and chocolate.

Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Carmenere 2024, Chile $22 - Bell pepper aromas and a fruit-driven palate. Flavors of ripe berries blend with subtle yet well-integrated green notes. Enough freshness keeps in check the oak spices, resulting in a tasty finish.

Lapostolle Grand Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2024, Chile $23 - The winery is based in the Colchagua Valley, about two hours southwest of Santiago, with its most celebrated vineyards located in the renowned Apalta Valley. Expressive aromas of ripe red fruit with delicate hints of sweet spices. Cedar and tea leaf at the finish.

Zuccardi Q Cabernet Franc 2023, Argentina $27 - Zuccardi Q Cabernet Franc is sourced from select old vines on at the Altamira vineyard in Mendoza. Fresh fruit aromas of cherry, cassis, and violet notes. Lush acidity, firm tannins and a long finish. 

Bonus Wines

Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Carmenere 2024, Chile $30 - Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Carmenére boasts a complex nose with red and black fruit, spice, herbal, and vanilla aromas. Bright and vivid, it is harvested late in the season, producing a medium structure with juicy, round tannins.

Zuccardi Poliganos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2020, Argentina $36 - Bell pepper, ripe blackberry and herbal notes show on the nose of this well-balanced red. Light notes of rosemary and peppercorn blend with intense red- and black-fruit flavors framed by supple tannins and nice acidity. A hint of herbs in the lingering finish makes it very pleasant.

Catena Alta Malbec 2022, Argentina $62 - The 2022 Malbec Catena Alta brings together historic vineyards from Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley to capture the best of both regions: Luján’s generous, supple tannins and Uco’s juicy, fresh fruit. Aged for up to 18 months in barrel, this wine is the essence of Mendoza Malbec. Intense aromas of fresh plum and delicate balsamic notes float over oak and a floral hint in the background. With indulgent depth and a juicy flow, the 2022 balances plush tannins with refined texture to produce a long and sapid palate with a touch of intensity and subtle concentration. This is a rich wine that raises the bar for Mendoza Malbec.