Chile'in

I wanted to let you all know about a new winery that I have been tasting, that I kind of like. The wines are from the Carta Vieja winery from Chile. They make fairly inexpensive, varietally driven wines that are cool for a couple of reasons. First of all, the people making the wines are the seventh generation of the del Pedregal family that has been in the industry. I find it amazing when someone is making wine like their Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather did. Secondly, the wines are inexpensive- the "regular" line is about $9 retail, and the "fancy" cab is about $15. The next reason I like them is because they are from the Loncomilla Valley. "Where is that?" you might ask. Don't worry, I had to ask the same thing. It is a small tributary that flows into the Maule River in the Maule wine growing region- the furthest south of all Chilean regions.

The final reason I like these wines is for what they aren't. Most of the time, Chilean wines (especially the cabernets) have this weird green pepper, vegetal thing going. These wines don't have that- and it's a good thing. The Prestige Cab (the fancy one), has really cool notes of cocoa, tobacco, and currant that make it a pleasure to drink with any sort of meal.

Check them out soon! I know Kayas carries them, as well as the Wine Chateau. Scape restaurant pours the less expensive cab by the glass for banquets, and I have heard that Jeff at 33 might bring the Prestige Cab in soon (**wink, wink, nudge, nudge**)

Cheers! I hope your week is going splendidly.

Tomorrow- what's all the hype over St. Patty's day, anyway?