A little over six years ago The One and I set off for a holiday in Argentina. The bonus child had been there for a post-university tour of some bits of South America and decided we would love Buenos Aires. So, being obedient older people, off we went. Our trip started and ended in the Argentinian capital as we had been directed but we did our best to see as much of that enormous country as we possibly could in two weeks. At one point, whilst based in Mendoza, we took a trip into the Andes on a road that if we had gone far enough would have taken us over a pass near the highest mountain in the Americas, Aconcagua.
Whilst the mountain itself is in Argentina it is just nine miles from the border with Chile where, on the western side of the Andes there is a series of valleys that flow down to the Pacific ocean. In terms of wine production more than a dozen of these valleys contribute to Chile's reputation for supporting a wide range of styles, frequently available in UK at very reasonable prices for the quality they offer.
Aconcagua Valley is towards the North of Chile, so it is closer to the equator than most and the climate there is warmer than that of the regions to the South. This warmth is moderated by the influence of coastal air currents that cool the valleys giving an advantageous mix of warm days and cooler nights that helps to ripen grapes to their best.
I enjoy Sauvignon Blanc and in general tend to favour the styles produced in the southern hemisphere, especially New Zealand. The famous French styles of Sauvignon Blanc are rightly respected as classic wines with names such as Sancerre and Pouilly Fume commanding a premium, but I find their more earthy profiles less engaging than the crispness of their new world challengers.
This wine falls rather nicely between the two, being less punchy than many wines from Marlborough and having some of the more complex flavours of the Loire, without leaving me with the impression that it has lost any of the qualities of either. Especially for the price.
Errazuriz have been producing wine since 1870 and have eight vineyards in the Aconcagua Valley. Aconcagua Costa is, as the name suggests, close to the Pacific coast which is only seven miles away. Here they also grow Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah, but in other sites include a broad range of varieties.
I once attended a short seminar presented by Errazuriz at the London (International) Wine Fair and was very impressed with both their wines and their commitment to the environment which judging by the results is well founded.
Would I buy again? Yes. Ideally from the cellar door!
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