Vina Undurraga Sibaris Pinot Noir Reserva Especial 2008

Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
$15-18
+761205 available at BCLS

When you think of Chilean wines, most likely Pinot Noir isn’t the first grape to come to mind. Pity. This Sibaris is a great example of Pinot Noir from the Maipo Valley.  Viña Undurraga is one of the oldest wineries in Chile, established in 1885. Heavily steeped in tradition, the winery has also embraced modernity. Proof – new international consultant for Undurraga New World sparkling wines is the French winemaker Philippe Coulon, former directeur technique at Moët & Chandon.

This perfumed Pinot Noir has young cherry and red currant aromas, and notes of bright raspberry, sweet cherry, earthy herbs and soft spice on the palate. Lighter tannins and juicy red fruit would be lovely with duck, salmon – or – your cranberried turkey dinner.

You can try this wine, plus hundreds more at the Taste Chile 2010 event this Thursday, October 7. Meet visiting winemakers and taste wines from wine regions across Chile from over 30 visiting wineries, each pouring up to six different wines at their table. Chilean styled passed hors d’oeuvres will be provided to pair with the fabulous wines on offer. Educate yourself on Chilean wines while sampling additional wines at three focus stations. Charitable proceeds from the event will be donated to the Grapes for Humanity Canada (www.grapesforhumanity.com), whose mission is to raise funds to benefit humanitarian causes around the world with the assistance of the international wine community.