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THROWBACK to when I was still in college, exploring the wine aisle at Walmart – not knowing the difference between a Merlot and a Pinot Noir – only concerned about getting a bottle of alcohol with pretty packaging at a college-budget price.
Fast-forward to today (last Thursday), as I sip on a glass of Marea Syrah before the commencement of a Chilean wine tasting event, I realised that I have been drinking cheap college wine for far too long.
Shedding some light on the lesser exposed Chilean wines, Gallo Wine Bar, in collaboration with Cepas de Chile winner, Mandy Chin, curated a list of red wines to explore during the tasting event.
Originating from South America, the diverse flavour profile of Chilean wine reflects its great diversity of valleys, and Gallo Wine Bar carries a wide selection of wines suitable for everyone at different price points and flavour profiles.
Among the six that were available during the tasting, we had wines that carried a more sour and acidic profile like the Sena 2015 from Aconcagua Valley, the Clos Apalta 2016 from Colchagua, and Luis Felipe Edward 100 Cien Carignan 2013 from the Maule valley.
With the latter two having a sharper aftertaste, Mandy recommended us to consume them with spicy food, which we had (lamb curry) during the tasting as well.
I must say, it is always a good idea to listen to professionals because Mandy definitely knew what she was talking about. The flavour of the Apalta and the Carignan was not only enhanced with the pairing of the lamb curry but the dish was also heightened by the wine.
For the folks who would like to relive their Holy Communion experience as I did, the TerraMater Altum 2013 (Curico Valley) and TerraMater Mater 2017 (Maipo Valley) are the wines for you.
Its soft and sweet scent contradicts its heavy flavour profile, but don’t let that fool you when it comes to its smoothness as it glides down your throat effortlessly.
Lastly, my favourite and in my opinion, the most ‘extra’ choice of wine – is the Cono Sur Single Vineyard 8 Grapes 2019. Why opt for wine made with only one variety of grapes when you can get a bottle of wine that consists of eight different types of grapes instead?
Personally, preferring my alcohol on the sweet side, this selection hit all the right notes with me; sweet in its smell, taste and aftertaste as well, this wine felt like I was savouring a fresh blueberry Danish on a clear sunny day on the patio.
While the wine tasting event itself was a delight, the highlight of the evening was definitely having the Chilean Ambassador H.E. Diego Velasco von Pilgrimm interact with each table, mine being with the founders of Mini Me Insights.
Among everything that we spoke about, from personal experience to the exposure to Chilean wine, a refreshing insight by the ambassador was when he shared that the best wine to have is the wine that suits you best.
In his words, just because a wine is vintage and is priced at a very high point, it doesn’t mean that everyone would enjoy it. So, why spend so much on a bottle of wine that you are not going to enjoy.
Gallo Wine Bar is just the place for you to enjoy a bottle of wine with loved ones, regardless of what your taste in wine is. Heed the advice of Ambassador von Pilgrimm, and savour the wine you enjoy the most. – The Vibes, July 27, 2022
