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Punchin Intl. & The Walman Report By Nancy Walman

August 2nd, 2007 at 2:32 pm

oops Wines

We just tried three wines from Chile that were "Carmenère-centric," meaning they had some of this offbeat grape in the blend or were based on the grape itself, as in the Rose, which was the most seductive of the lot. While we found the Sauvignon Blanc somewhat "green" to our tastes, the Cab was big, lush and full of lovely tannins. Want the whole story?

(bops) wines focus on blending Carmenère with complementary varietals. This Carmenère Rose is vivified in a white wine style for a lighter, more floral expression. Pale pink in color, with a clean, bright appearance and mouth watering aromas of rose petals, raspberry and green apple.

On the palate, the wine is fresh and balanced, with bright natural acidity and fresh flavors of raspberry and strawberry and a lingering finish.

In the Vineyard The grapes were sourced from Santa Lucila, a sandy-soil vineyard located on the bank of the Lontue River in the cool-climate precordillera (Andean foothills) section on the Curicó. This lot, harvested in March of 2006, was selected for its exceptional aroma profile.

Winemaking Profile
2006 is the second vintage of this wine which was
launched in 2005 as White Carmenère. The name has
been changed to Carmenère Rose to better describe the style: dry, but with a delightful floral and spice quality from the Carmenère. Spending just a brief time on the skins adds a touch of color before undergoing fermentation to dryness in stainless steel tanks. There is no oak to preserve the freshness, aromatics, and flavor of the fruit.

Food Pairing
Rose-style wines have become immensely popular because of their versatility with many foods, especially ethnic cuisine. Try with Asian, Latin, Pacific Rim, Caribbean, Indian and other spicy dishes.
Varietal Content 100% Carmenère
Grape Source Valle Central
Alcohol 13%
pH 3.3
Titratable Acidity 4.7 g/L
Residual Sugar 1.5 g/L
Suggested Retail Price $12
(oops)™ CARMENÈRE ROSÉ 2006

The wine is intense dark ruby in color, clean and brilliant with violet tones. Aromas are of currants and blackberries with hints of dried herbs and green peppercorn. On the palate, the impression is elegant and fresh, with silky tannins, good acidity, and nuanced fruit in balance. Flavors of black currant and black plum linger on the finish.

In the Vineyard
This 2005 (oops) Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from estates in Chile’s Valle Central in Maule, Rapel and from Nilahue. The growing regions are moderate in climate, mitigated by cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean or the Andes. Hand-management in the vineyard is essential for ensuring proper maturity in Cabernet Sauvignon. Pruning, shoot thinning, canopy management, and green harvesting techniques are adjusted for this particular variety so the fruit retains elegance but develops full color and flavor.

Winemaking Profile
The grapes are harvested by hand, receive a 15-day
maceration, and are fermented in stainless steel. Because the desired style is one of elegance, approachability, and balance, the oak regimen is light-handed. 43% of the wine is matured in French and American oak barrels in order to retain fruit and freshness with just a touch of pretty oak. The Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 15% Carmenère for added character and color.

Food Pairing
This Cabernet Sauvignon’s graceful style makes it quite versatile, complementing anything from traditional big, juicy steak to grilled chicken, ribs, and even salmon.

Varietal Content 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenère
Grape Source Valle Central
(Maule, Cachapoal, Colchagua, Curicó)
Alcohol 13.9%
pH 3.72
Titratable Acidity 4.8 g/L
Residual Sugar 2.6 g/L
Suggested Retail Price $12

Sauvignon Blanc is the rising star varietal from Chile, and this wine shows what all the buzz is about. Light gold in color with a hint of green, the nose is expressive, varietal, and complex, with lemon and lime zest, green apple, green chile, mineral, and floral aromas. A small percentage of Carmenère adds a layer of dried herbs and white pepper.

On the palate, the wine is fresh, with perfect natural
acidity, medium body, and a long, persistent finish.
In the Vineyard

This 2006 (oops) Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from the Nilahue estate vineyard in the Colchagua Valley, a newer plantation for Sauvignon Blanc already showing tremendous potential. This estate vineyard located along the coastal range, with its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means the climate is moderated by cooling afternoon breezes. On the slopes, the soil type is sandy with some seabed rock, showing a reddish tone. It’s stonier than the flatter blocks,
which are primarily sandy clay.

Winemaking Profile
The grapes are harvested by hand early in the day to retain freshness and brought immediately to the modern winemaking facility at Nilahue. The grapes are crushed and destemmed, then immediately pressed to separate the juice from the solids. The juice is kept cool as it is gently pumped into stainless steel for fermentation. After fermentation is complete, the Sauvignon Blanc is blended with 15% Carmenère for added character and complexity.

Food Pairing
Sauvignon Blanc is a classic with oysters and other
seafood, salads, and vegetable dishes. Refreshing with
spicy, ethnic cuisine from Asia, Latin America, Mexico,
and the Carribean.

Varietal Content 85% Sauvignon, 15% Carmenère
Grape Source Colchagua
Alcohol 13.0%
pH 3.09
Titratable Acidity 5.92 g/L
Residual Sugar 1.55 g/L
Suggested Retail Price $12
(oops)™ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2006
©2007 (oops)™ is a registered trademark of Schwartz Olcott Imports, LLC, New York, NY, USA.

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