Reds of South America

Join us on Thursday, March 15th from 6-8pm for our latest Winemaker Social event! We'll be featuring select South American reds from Via Pacifica Selections. Their CEO, Cristobal Fernandez will be on hand to guide us through wines from Chile's Casas del Toqui and Argentina's Manos Andinas. While Cristobal is not the "winemaker" for these wines he comes from a 3rd generation winemaking family and is intimately familiar with these producers. We'll be doing a flight containing a Casablanc Pinot Noir, a Mendoza Malbec, and two Cabernet Sauvignons (detailed below) for only $14. We'll also be offering special prices on these wines in the Wine Cellar next door so come on down and explore some of South America's treasures with us.

“Hands from the Andes” or Manos Andinas is named for the handcrafted wine made in partnership with small and passionate South American grape growers practicing sustainable and family viticulture for generations. Each grower's small production is vinified separately as a parcel to maximize their own expression and character. In Chile's cool, Casablanca valley, this region has a Mediterranean climate with cool misty nights and hotter days that provides excellent growing conditions for top quality cool climate varieties, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc as well as this Pinot Noir. This hand-harvested Pinot  is aged in selected French oak for over 6 months, rotating the barrels daily to improve the wine balance and texture. The last stage is a 4-month bottle-aging period for the wine to settle ($12 retail in the Orchard Wine Cellar). 

 Mendoza is located at the foot of the Andes but on the eastern side and 500 kilometers from the coast. This famous Malbec region generally enjoys wide day-night temperature variation, poor alluvial soils, low rainfall but ample pure Andes irrigation water. All of which contribute to fruit-forward wines that are well structured and easy to enjoy. The Manos Andinas Reserva Mabec is cold soaked and fermented in stainless steel tanks with gentle pump overs to avoid over extraction and after is aged in selected French oak for over 6 months. That this wine can also be had for $12 is the Cellar is a great deal!

The first Cabernet is the Casas del Toqui Barrel Series that has a very complex nose with hints of tobacco, spices and black fruits, and a soft hint of vanilla. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has been aged in oak barrels for 8 months. The second Cab is the Gran Toqui with a full 14 months in oak. It also has 5% Petite Verdot and 5% Syrah added to the 90% Cab. Its a warm and lovely big bodied Cab retailing at $22 with the Barrel Series coming in at $16 a bottle in the Wine Cellar.

 

 

 

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Orchard Wine Cellar Movers and Shakers This Week

  • Tintero Moscato

    #1 Tintero Moscato

    Sori Gramella refers to the one of the only single vineyard Moscatos, and Marco is the only producer to bottle this striking limestone amphitheater commercially. Once the 30 year old vines give up their bounty, and the grapes are harvested and pressed, they are kept in stainless steel at a low temperature to prevent fermentation until an order is received in order to provide the freshest wine possible.
    (Holding the #1 spot)

  • Sweet Sunset Chocolate Merlot

    #2 Sweet Sunset Chocolate Merlot

    First lets say that this is Not ChocoVine. This wine is actually made with eighty five percent Merlot and than has natural chocolate cream added to the mix. This is the wine for anyone looking for sweet red or the chocolate lover at home. Great gift for the holidays. (behind by 4 bottles)

  • Castelfeder Pertico Rosso

    #3 Castelfeder Pertico Rosso

    Such a pretty little wine! Deep, ruby color and a intense aromas of cherries, tobacco, blackberry. Just a little oak to mellow things out . The Cab and Merlot bring just a touch of richness and licorice but the Lagrein has the leading role with its bright red fruit flavors. (behind by 14 bottles)

  • Gran Passione

    #4 Gran Passione

    From the land of Amarone comes a delicious Merlot based blend. To perfectly ripe Merlot (60%) is added juice from dried Corvina grapes ala Amarone. Rich, deep and smooth, this is a remarkable Merlot that may just change your Merlot worldview! (behind by 4 bottles)

Fun New Arrivals

  • Maimai Syrah

    Maimai Syrah

    So pretty. Brings a clear nose of Gimblett Gravels terroir beneath lush soft blue and black fruit with lovely violet and lavender notes. Palate is clean, balanced and very approachable. Just a hint of the Northern Rhone's meatiness but mostly bright fruit and enough acidity to hold it in check. Maybe the best NZ Syrah out there??

  • Amon Ra

    Amon Ra

    The 2014 Amon Ra reflects the tried and true essence of the Glaetzer style - generosity of flavor with finesse of structure. The inky purple color displays the gentle but full extraction. The nose shows an abundance of dark blueberry, vanilla, black cherry and hints of cassis with notes of mixed spice and anise. Although still young and firmly wound, the vibrant blackberry and dried spice flavors integrate well with youthful yet supple tannins with the trademark loooong and sleek finish. Meant to go 10 to 15 years to hit its prime.

  • Bermatinger

    Bermatinger

    Do you love Burgundy, but not the price tag attached to it? This spatburgunder from Baden gives you a stellar example of what pinot can be outside of France. Red fruits and floral notes accompanied by that earthy, forest floor, mushroom that Burgundy is known for. Beautifully balanced, definitely one that should have a place at your table.

  • Porron Decanter

    Porron Decanter

    The porron wine pitcher is a festive way to serve wine. Either use as a decanter or just pick up the porron and tilt it so that a thin stream of wine pours directly into your mouth! It takes some skill, but it is fun at a party to see how well you and your friends master the technique. Each porron holds 1 liter, which is a perfect size to hold a bottle of wine.