Coastal Wines from Chile

Kalfu introduces two iconic wines

By: Philip S. Kampe - Jul 08, 2015

 

 

 

Newly released Chilean coastal wines from Vina Ventisquero have hit the market. The two wines from the Leyda Valley, under the Kalfu label are Kuda, an unoaked Chardonnay and Sumpai, a Pinot

Chile has undergone a viticultural transformation. High technology coupled with innovative wine makers who are willing to take a risk has proven to pay dividends. Kuda and Sampai are

Chile is an isolated wine region, protected by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes mountains to the east. The isolated conditions, with its environmentally protected land,  are ideal for ;consistent', yearly grape growth, which is not the norm in the other wine regions of the wine world.

Winemaker Alejandro Galaz heads the operations at Kalfu.. Mr. Galaz’s reputation is known worldwide as the winemaker who specializes in cool climate wines. According to Alejandro Galaz, “from the vineyard to the bottle, producing cool climate wines can be challenging…but, I enjoy a challenge…always striving to produce wines that are a sincere expression of elegance, distinction and subtlety of the grape”.

The two wines that were sampled are:

 2013 Kalfu Kuda Chardonnay
Aroma; Green apple aromas masking vanilla
Palate: Acidic with freshness that reflected flavors of creme brulee, tangerine and other tropical fruits. Well balanced and elegant
Alcohol;13%
Aging; Up to five years in ideal conditions.
Area: Leyda Valley
Price: $19

2012 Kalfu Sumpai Pinot Noir
Aroma; Chalky, peppery and sour cherry aromas abound.
Palate; Concentrated, complex, well-balanced wine with a meaty, fig and date flavor
Alcohol; 13.5%
Aging; Up to fifteen years in ideal conditions.
Area: Leyda Valley
Price; $24

The Leyda Valley is located four miles from the Pacific Ocean and close to the Maipo River. The vines face the ocean with its morning fog and cooling breezes.

Both wines were unique and powerful on the palate. The Pinot Noir was atypical, which made it the most interesting and unusual Pinot Noir in the marketplace. It's worth a try!

Other releases from Kalfu include the 2013 Kalfu Sumpai Sauvignon Blanc ($24), 2013 Kalfu Kuda Sauvignon Blanc ($19) and the 2013 Kalfu Kuda Pinot Noir ($19).

 Philip S. Kampe
winefoodtravelarts@yahoo.com