LA PIU BELLE 2019
Sometimes in the wine industry wines can become the norm. Try so many and the tastes, the characteristics begin to taste the same. The search for something different remains elusive. Due to subjective tastes we all have different opinions on what we like or dislike. , different dislikes. What I am always looking for is :
“Does the wine represent the grapes varietal and does it offer something different. “
All grapes have generic characteristics. I can never say that a Cabernet Sauvignon should have the same characteristics throughout the world, but it does follow certain flavours or styles. Cabernet Sauvignon does enjoy black fruit, blackberries and black cherries as its character etc.
Sometimes producers/ weather plays around with tannins, alcohol levels, and body. As a consumer we have to find our style , our grape – its what makes it a fascinating learning curve. Don’t just drink £50 Chardonnays from the West Coast of America or big powerful reds from Austrailia. Enjoy the wine trail and have fun along the way.
Look behind the label and see what the producer is trying to say. What they believe in and whether the grapes are to your tastes. Do they resonate with you.
Find the grapes you love and find your style (even if that involves blends)
Your wine journey should be gradual. Find the stories, the tastes and enjoy.
Its important for me , nowadays , to pick and choose wines not based on price (although anything over 100 is out of reach for most of us on a weekly basis.) but to highlight a wine because of how sexy the label is, what’s in the bottle and what story does it tell!
So, reviewing this wine. What do you expect me to say!
Well VIK is a well regarded producer in Chile and has gained international attention in recent years. Mainly down to their quality against price strategy. La Piu Belle is no different. Even though it offers a £50 price tag it does show elegance, finesse and beauty.
Vik’s website highlights the link between the goddess of nature, love, fertility, beauty and art. So much of that is transposed into the wine. Even a Chilean painter, Gonzalo Cienfuegos, showcases the Goddess on its full bottle label.
A blend of 51 % Cabernet Sauvignon 41 % Carmenere 8 %. Syrah
Typically, Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep red colour, characteristics of blackcurrant, cedar, cassis, liquorice, mint, and green pepper and can be found in most regions around the world. Carmenere has a deep red or violet colour. Characteristics of red and black fruit, spice, smokiness, and herbs and originally found in Bordeaux now predominantly in Chile. Finally, Syrah has a dark blue to touches of black. Characteristics of blackberry, black pepper, cassis, bacon, smoke, violets, liquorice, chocolate, herbs, and olives and found in hotter climates due to the thicker skins needed for the hot weather.
The wine …
Aroma
A dark earthy characteristic unveils Carmenere here with notes of Blackberries, prunes and forest floor fruits. Delve deeper into the experience and you get the red strawberries and raspberries from the Cabernet Sauvignon
Palate
Still the characteristics from the aromas carry forward (blackberries, prunes, blueberries and forest fruits) but you also get the Syrah coming through in the form of a thick compote – almost like cassis. A delicate floral aroma also comes from the Syrah
Food pairing:
Beef , Cheese, Game and Steak
Size of vineyards (x 327 Twickenham rugby pitches)
Ageing potential 2025 – 2050
So, in all, is this wine worth the £50 price tag. I believe it is. It has history, it has the characteristics that I want from a blend of 3 big grapes in one bottle. I like their story, and the branding is on point.
Experience the elegant the intense and the fresh and this is what you’ve got. You will have to spend time with this wine as it is complex it does show different layers at different time. But in time it may become your friend. It’s an enticing wine
Will I be drinking it every week. No – but it is certainly a friend. I will be buying it again
If I was to write a book about wines to drink before I die, this would be in there !
Whatever your tastes wherever you go – FIND YOUR GRAPE!
Niche Producers with a fabulous story to tell and dangerously delicious wines!
exciting wines you don’t see or try every day.
it’s not just about me! it’s all about the grapes!
www.thegrapewizard.com – Blog
