Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2016 Amalaya Blanco ($12)

Amalaya wines was founded in Argentina in 2010 by Donald Hess of the Hess Family Wine Estates. The grapes are grown in the Calchaquí Valley in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range at altitudes as high as 5580 feet. This high altitude provides intense sun in the day and cool nights to produce concentrated fruit.

Amalaya Blanco is a blend of 85% Torrontés and 15% Riesling. It was cold-pressed, allowed to settle for up to 48 hours before being racked and fermentation started. After fermentation it was again chilled to prevent malolactic fermentation and then aged in stainless steel for up to 120 before bottling.

The Amalaya Blanco starts with fresh aromas of grapefruit and citrus and has bright, fresh, crisp and refreshing flavors with good acidity and just a hint of minerality. It is light-bodied with delicate flavors. Great to enjoy alone by the glass or with sea foods. 

Amalaya wines maybe relatively new to the wine scene, but Donald Hess of the Hess Family Wine Estates has got a very good thing going with this wine.  The label may say "Esperanza por un milagro" (the hope for a miracle) but none is needed with this one. And, as always here on Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week, this one's a great value! Give it a try!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission:  I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

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2016 Colomé Torrontés ($15)

Colomé is one of the oldest working wineries in Argentina and home to the highest vineyards in the world, some reaching altitudes of 10,000 ft (~3000m) above sea level. The winery, established in 1831, is based in the Calchaqui Valley, in the Salta region of northwestern Argentina.  Colomé joined the Hess Family Wine Estates in 2001.

Torrontés has become Argentina's signature white grape and one of the most widely grown.  Nearly all the world's Torrontés comes from Argentina.

Salta, on the edge of the Andes, is dry with desert-like conditions. But the significant diurnal temperature shift helps bring out the best in Torrontés.

This 2016 Colomé 100% Torrontés is dry and zesty. It is straw-like in color with aromas of citrus and pear. Dominate flavors include grapefruit and lemon. It's finishes with lingering acidity that is refreshing.  There's also a bit of salinity along with a smooth mouth-feel. 

Keep your eyes out for this one. It's a wonderfully refreshing wine that is easy to drink on its own, or with light fare.

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission:  I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2015 Ventisquero Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva ($15)

Chile has been producing wine for more than 400 years. But, in the past 30 years has really made great strides in producing highly notable wines. And the Maipo Valley has become Chile's red wine country.

This Chilean wine from the Maipo Valley is produced by Ventisquero from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah.  The grapes underwent a pre-fermentation low-temperature maceration in order to bring out the maximum color and aromas from the grapes. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks and then the wine was aged in French oak for 10 months, followed by another 4 months in the bottle before release.

While Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are typically big, full-bodied wines, this one actually has some delicate red-fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry but the finish yields the dark-fruit flavors of blackcurrants and blueberries along with hints of vanilla and chocolate from its oak aging.

If Cabernet's are typically too big and bold for you, give this one a try. At 13% ABV, I found it to be medium-bodied with lots of bright fruit flavors. And, it's a great value too. Be sure to check this one out!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission:  I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

Valdivieso Sparkling Rosé Brut ($13)

Viña Valdivieso dates back to 1879 when Alberto Valdivieso founded Champagne Valdivieso, the first company in Chile and South America to make sparkling wine. Today they continue making sparkling wines and still wines.

This sparkling Rosé Brut from Chile is made of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from the foothills of the Los Andes mountain range. The second fermentation was done in tanks using the Charmat method. 

This Brut Rosé has reddish-orange color and moderate fizz. With its 12% ABV, it is not overly sweet. Its low acidity allows the fruit flavors to come through without being overly bright. This is actually a fairly smooth sparkling wine with delicate fruit flavors on the palate and a light finish.

Serve this one around 48 F (not refrigerator cold) to get the most out of its flavors. Nice by itself, but pairs well with most lighter fare.

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission:  I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2016 Ventisquero Casablanca Valley Sauvignon Blanc Reserva ($15)

This wine is from the Casablanca Valley of Chile. In the Northern region of Chile, this valley has strong coastal influences that keep temperatures cool, adding as much as a month to this region's growing season as compared to others in Chile. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc underwent cold maceration for 12 to 14 hours followed by a slow fermentation and was then aged over its lees for four months and battonage was used to increase its complexity.

While distinctively a Sauvignon Blanc, the peach flavors really come through on this one while the grapefruit and citrus flavor take second billing. The wine finishes with subtle fruit and distinctive minerality that Chile's soils impart. At 12% ABV this is a dry wine with moderate acidity. If you like the body of an un-oaked Chardonnay this Sauvignon Blanc is right for you. Serving this one chilled to 45-50 degrees F will keep it refreshing while also allowing its body and complexity to make a statement.  Enjoy with a variety of foods including salads, fish and seafoods.

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission:  I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications