In general I love all Chilean wines.
I find them easy to drink and pricing-wise; decently affordable.
At a recent wine tasting dinner I was introduced to Koyle, a Chilean wine that is currently exported to 40 countries, affordable yet grown for quality rather than quantity.
I met Cristobal Undurraga Marimon, the first winemaker in the 5 generations of the Undurraga family.
Via biodynamic management of the Koyle vineyards, he aims to produce unique wines of exceptional quality. Doing a bit of research, I surfed over to their site to find out about this Koyle terroir that was mentioned throughout the evening.
Koyle vineyards are located in the Los Lingues, Alto Colchagua, in the buttresses of the Andes Mountains. Their property was rated Los Lingues after a thorough study by Doctor Pedro Parra Emilfork Terroir and our viticulturist and winemaker Cristobal Undurraga.
Ok, now only I know Los Lingues is a sort of rating.
Anyhow, we all know that soil plays a huge part in the cultivation of the best grapes for the best wines.
A Seasame Tuna Salad with Orange Segment, Dressing with Black Olive Tapenade adjourned dinner. I wish I can sing some praises for this but frankly, it was pretty sub-standard.
The mushroom soup was next; earthy and fresh enough.
Koyle Costa Sauvignon Blanc 2011 was the accompanying wine for the starters. A Sauvignon Blanc, this was as expectantly tangy and light. Overall it was pleasantly balanced in mineral acidity and crisp as a good white should be.
Between the 2 mains, I went for the meat. Well of course. The option was pork neck, how could I resist. 🙂
Oven Roasted Herbs Infused Pork Neck with Port Wine OR Sword Fish with Sauce of Capers.
Another option was Sword Fish with Sauce of Capers, Black Olives, Sundried Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce.
This was matched with the Koyle Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 which was as intense in flavour as its ruby red color. However it was elegant on the palate, silky down the throat with a slightly tannic finish.
Dessert: Italian Panna Cotta with Passion Fruits Coulis.
It was an educational night and such a great pleasure to learn and chat with Mr Cristobal Undurraga himself! 🙂
Thanks to Thai Seng, the House of Fine Wines and Spirits for the opportunity to further enhance my wine palate.
For further enquiries or orders of fine wines, I would highly recommend Thai Seng for the superb collection. Contact: Tel: +603-8944-2898!
Thai Seng. Bear in mind next visit. I agree .The Chilean wines are special and inexpensive in UK too. Challenge to tell the difference between a Centrel Valley Cab Sav and the more expensive ones fron the Barossa . Popular white wine here noe is Western Cape Chenin Blanc. Crispy with floral aftertaste, excellent with any fish. Btw food looked nice also! haha
I’ll bring u there ok? 🙂
I’m headin to Kathmandu this Sat . Any advice?
Crispy with floral aftertaste – that’s my kind of white too !
Katmandu?!! Nepal! Why? Be careful Dear
Hahah media trip. No worries.
ooo, i don’t recall having seen or tried Koyle wines yet, but i’ll try it if i do (easy name to remember!) 😀
Oh really?? I must ask Thai Seng which restaurant stocks this Koyle. You can look out for it then 🙂
perfect gourmet combination. 🙂
mt
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good wines with good food 🙂 Always works!
I love Chilean wines too. Easy to drink, cheap.
Both of which makes it really popular right? 😀