… with the snow-capped mountains forming a tremendous backdrop – no condor sited though.
La Serena and Elqui feel a little less slick than modern day Santiago: more frontier town. Dinner last night was a fun affair with Giorgio, Aldo and with the pacific lapping on the shore (next stop Australia). An array of seafood like you've never seen with exotic names to match its appearance: loco, macha and pico rocco. The Alta Tierra Sauvignon was the ideal food match.
Monday has really seen us doing what we came to do: a complete 3 hour tasting of all Giorgio's wines (look out for some new whites soon and the terrific Alta Tierra Syrah Carmenere 07 arriving in the UK in October). Then a hop on a plane to Santiago to be met by Javier from Tarapaca and a mammoth blending session of the 09 whites.
Four hours of backwards and forwards adjustments; bit more Casablanca in the Sauvignon, a touch of Viognier with the Chardonnay: the search for quality.
Christian and Ed are sharp winemakers and a pleasure to deal with. An exhausting day but highly satisfactory – no matter where you go in the world, winemakers speak the same language.
It's now morning, the sound of exotic birds coming through the dawn, and the anticipation of once again getting into the winery and doing what we love best – putting together blends and wines that will excite.
Dan Snook, Wine Director
Tony is on holiday
Visit laithwaites.co.uk
Dear Dan
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to buying a case of Carmanère wine from the Curicó valley with 20% of the income generated going towards rebuilding the town of Curicó after the recent earthquake.
Yours sincerely
Andrew England