Boise Coop Wine Shop

Weekend Wine Tasting: We Speak Spanish

• August 3, 2008

They’re an ocean apart but joined by the same language. This week we are featuring a Chardonnay from Argentina, a Syrah from Chile and a Rosado from Rioja.

2006 Dona Paula Los Cardos Chardonnay, $7.99

Los Cardos translates from the Spanish as the thistles. The parent winery, Dona Paula chose that name because in the Mendoza region of Argentina it is believed that where the thistle thrives, the terroir is ideal for wine grapes. The vineyards for this Chardonnay lie 3000 feet above sea level. Located in the shadow of the Andes, a perpetual cooling breeze descends from the mountains. Cold fermentation and limited time in oak helps preserve the fresh fruit flavors that are crisp and lively.

2006 Chono Syrah, $9.99

Situated in the Maipo Valley, Chono sits just south of Santiago, sandwiched between the breathtaking Andes mountains to the east and the coastal range. Here the weather is hot and dry during the summer days, while evenings are cool—an ideal combination for for world-class Syrah, and that is exactly what winemaker Alvaro Espinoza has crafted. Concentrated and fruity, with a silkiness that runs from its abundant perfumes to its watch-breaking length, this Syrah is ripe, juicy and chock-full of blackberries and chocolate-dipped red berries. Spicy aromas of black pepper and tar show on the nose. The wine’s freshness is dazzling, a nod to the region’s cool climate and careful vinification that captures every bit of pure, unblemished fruit. Tannins are supple and sweet; every drop is polished and wonderfully complex. A stunning effort and a profound pleasure to drink.

2007 Cune Rosado, $9.99

In 1879, two brothers decided to set up a business in the recently flourishing trade of the wine business. C.V.N.E., Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (The Northern Spanish Wine Company) or la Cuné, as it is commonly known in Haro, was created. This cellar takes us back to the origins of the company and is still kept in the traditional neighborhood of the Haro station. The Cuné winery is made up of a group of buildings, mostly from the 19th century and arranged around a courtyard surrounded by pavilions for the purpose of wine production, aging, and bottling. This Tempranillo rosé is an attractive light raspberry pink color. Full of ripe summer fruit and berry aromas with some floral hints. Light and refreshing mouth feel followed by a good length and complex finish.