Available Each May

Fresh Wine Grapes From Chile

We are now sourcing high quality fresh wine grapes from the Curico Valley in Chile. The Curico Valley is located 120 miles south of Santiago and is the oldest wine region in the country. The valley features a Mediterranean climate combined with alluvial soil with good drainage creating perfect conditions for great red wines. The origin of this wine-producing valley goes back to 1851, when fine varieties of grapes where brought to the valley from France and Germany. 

The Curico Valley is largely affected by the Coastal Range, which blocks the maritime influence and creates a continental effect. The result is a pronounced daytime-night time temperature differential that is very beneficial for flavor and aroma development. 

Our grapes are sourced from a family-owned vineyard which was founded in 1920. This family has been growing grapes in Chile for three generations and their mission is to provide high quality grapes and exceptional service. The grapes are packed in 18 pound plastic crates and refrigerated from harvest to delivery to our clients here in the U.S. These wine grapes are delivered to you in exceptional condition and are of the highest quality.  

Wineries of the Curico Region of Chile include: Correa Albano, Montes,

Sietetazas / Galan Vineyards, Terramater, Vinos Los Robles, Viña Aresti (Bellavista), Viña Astaburuaga, Viña Echeverria, Viña La Fortuna, Viña Miguel Torres, Viña San Pedro, and Viña Valdivieso.

 
AVAILABLE CHILEAN GRAPE VARIETIES INCLUDE:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its deep flavor and aroma. It is full-bodied and intense, sometimes with herbal or fruit flavors. Some flavors that can best describe Cabernet Sauvignon are black cherry, cassis, and raspberry. These  flavors are balanced out with tannins and acids. 

Merlot

Merlot makes beautiful wines that are medium to dark red in color; have a fruity complexity highlighting cherry and black currant flavors. Merlot generally has lower tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon and comes across rounder and a bit sweeter (Merlot usually has higher sugar levels).

Syrah 

Syrah is the only grape used to make the famous Rhône wines of Côte Rotie and Hermitage, but also forms the backbone of most Rhône blends, including Chateauneuf du Pape. Syrah forms intense wines with deep violet, nearly black color, chewy texture and richness, and often-alcoholic strength, with aromas that tend to be more spicy than fruity.

Malbec

One of the traditional "Bordeaux varietals", Malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. A midseason ripener, it can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to blends.

Carmenere

Carmenere is prized for both its depth of color and, in ripe years, flavor that can range from herbal to gamy and add complexity and interest to blends. Carmenere was imported to South America in the 1850s, along with other Bordeaux varieties, prior to the European outbreak of Phylloxera.

Chilean Grape Juice prices will be available May 2009