usher in spring with chile's best sauvignon blancs

source: tastingtable.com

with the trees budding and air warming up for spring, we're finally ready to put away those big winter reds and bring out the crisp summer whites. this year we're smitten with Chile's take on the same grape

keep these bottles in mind for pairing with spring's first crops of vegetables:

2006 Kingston Cariblanco Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc ($15) In addition to its bright citrus flavors and crisp acidity, this wine offers minerality and a silky texture (oceanwineandspirits.com).

2006 Matetic EQ San Antonio Sauvignon Blanc ($16) Warm nectarine notes and a welcome hint of smoke intensify on the palate and makes this a perfect alfresco party pick (wallywine.com).

2008 Casa Lapostolle Rapel Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($8) Tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and banana linger in this soft, value-priced bottle (pjwine.com).

2008 Montes Limited Selection Leyda Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($12) Intensely aromatic, this wine's aromas of clean linen (seriously) are followed by racy acidity and lemon-lime flavors; try it with ceviche (hitimewine.com).

Chile as in Cuisine

Pomaire is New York City's only authentically Chilean restaurant. It features one of the city's most extensive selections of Chilean wine and offers traditional Chilean fare including empanadas, ceviches, fresh Chilean seafood, and Patagonian steaks.

Seeing that Flavors of Chile Restaurant Week starts June 29^th-July 6^th, 2008, it is a most auspicious time to visit Pomaire and experience first hand:

Chilean Salmon,Chilean Carica (an exotic fruit),Merken (a Mapuche spice blend made from native smoked chiles),Extra Virgin Olive Oil (original, garlic, and basil),Extra Virgin Avocado Oil,Chilean Farmstead Cheeses,Ulmo Honey,Chilean Grass-Fed Beef,Preserved Clams and Razor Clams, Preserved Figs, Quince, and Myrtle Berries in Syrup,Chilean Wine Vinegars (various flavors)

Pomaire Restaurant

371 W 46th St, NY 10036

Phone: 212-956-3055

In the Casa - World-Class French Wine from Chile

Source: UrbanDaddy.com

In the Casa World-Class French Wine from Chile

You've had wine with backbone, wine that’s earthy, even wine with "good legs." "Well-traveled" isn't an adjective that comes to mind in matters of the vine, but we submit that the traditional lexicon may need some expanding.

One very good reason: Casa Lapostolle wine.

Casa Lapostolle combines the superb wine terrain of Chile with the wine know-how of France. Founded by the Marnier Lapostolle family (yes, that Marnier Lapostolle family, producers of tasty French liqueur Grand Marnier, as well as other great French wines), the label set up camp in Chile because of its perfect vine-growing climate. Casa Lapostolle's vines are unique to Chile in that many of them were actually brought over from France in the last century—so it's almost like they've got dual citizenship.

As a result, Casa's wines reach levels of jovial sophistication that only wines from such a multicultural fusion could, from their smart Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays, to their sassy Cabernets, Merlots and Syrahs. The venerable Wine Spectator even named Casa's 2005 Clos Apalta one of its "Hot Wines," awarding it 96 out of 100 points and describing it as having "gorgeous aromas, great grip and density."

Now, that's the type of wine review worth drinking to.

For more information visit www.casalapostolle.com

Super Value Chilean Cabernet - Santa Rita 120 Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Source: wine.com

Price: $7.99

If you're searching for a solid, every day value in Cabernet Sauvignon for under $10, look no farther. This Cabernet Sauvignon shows why Chile has developed such a reputation for super value red and white wines.

Spends an average of eight months in small French and American oak barrels, resulting in an exceptionally round, mouth-filling wine. Ripe cherry and currant flavors, with a velvety finish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

"Surprisingly powerful and rich in fruit for its price, this offers black currant and cassis over youthfully rustic tannins. Give it some pork."
-Wines & Spirits "Value Picks"