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by Fred McMillin
for September 20, 1999
Erudite By Satellite
Prologue
Dear Fred,
A decade ago I commissioned a satellite study of
our terrain. It helped me to better understand
how the property was formed and where the soils
and micro-climates differed...
The Rest of the Story
Where was this study carried out? Well, such a sophisticated approach says to me it's probably in California, by some new owner with big bucks, who's determined to select the right varietals for his new property.
WRONG! The letter is from Sergio Correa (see photo) who's talking about his 1,432-acre vineyard in CHILE! Wine science is moving south fast, and this is a fine example. The results said plant SYRAH, so he brought in top clones from both the Rhone and Australia. The vines were ready by 1996. Sergio had been impressed by some of the Aussie Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon blends, so he tried that combination, too. However, Sergio went one step further and added a soft, silky element with 30% MERLOT. The result is a heck of a red unlike anything you've tasted...
Wine of the Day
1996 Zavala, Maipo Valley, Chile
Vina Tarapaca Winery
Varieties—Blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cab.
Winemaker—Sergio Correa. Since he is happy
with this blend, it's bound to be good,
because...Sergio is regularly selected to be a
judge in MAJOR international tastings, including
France's Vin Expo and Vinalies Internationales.
That's the palate that put together ZAVALA.
U.S. Importer—Beringer. Contact Allison Simpson
in the Napa Valley at (707)963-8989, FAX (707)963-1735.
Price—$25
Postscript
Why a Chilean wine today? This past weekend marked the anniversary of the country's declaration of independence from Spain. Where did the country inflict a major defeat of Spanish forces in 1818? MAIPO!
Note: For much more, see "Hip, Hip, Hurrah For Tarapaca", Winery of the Week, WineDay, Dec. 19,1997.
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About the Writer
Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers. |
WineDay Annex
More articles by
Fred McMillin
W
elcome to WineDay, the electronic Gourmet Guide's daily update. Monday through Thursday, WineDay presents a wine profile. Then on Fridays we present the Winery of the Week to take you through the weekend.
09/17/99
Winery of the Week
When Spain Was
09/16/99
Pilgrims Sail
09/15/99
Name The King
09/14/99
What's Your Beef?
09/13/99
We're Pro Jadot
09/10/99
Winery of the Week
Happy New Year!
09/09/99
Happy Birthday,
California
09/08/99
When Bad Is Good
09/07/99
A Sensational Syrah
09/06/99
Labor Day
09/03/99
Winery of the Week
A Chic Creek
09/02/99
Tasting of Wine X
09/01/99
Seventh (?) Month
January WineDays
February WineDays
March WineDays
April WineDays
May WineDays
June WineDays
Summer Vacation
Copyright © 1999—the electronic Gourmet Guide, Inc. All rights reserved.