Two More Wines from Chile's Caliterra‏

A review of two wines from Chile's Caliterra

Caliterra is a joint venture between California's Robert Mondavi and Eduardo Chadwick.

Once up-and-coming, Chile is for me these days all too often disappointing as, despite all the advantages of its varied terroirs, it seems to churn out big, alcoholic, US-style wines for export to its northerly neighbour.

Caliterra Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (£8.99)

Pale straw yellow in the glass, full-on nose of ripe tropical fruit, musky melon skin and herbaceous aromatics.

Lots of sweet, ripe honeydew melon and peach fruit on the palate, but feels a little flabby and heavy-handed - rather hot and alcoholic - but not without some good persistence on the finish.

A big, gutsy, rather clumsy raging bull of a wine that is all about making a statement.

Match the ripeness to strong, salty foods, such as a plate of beechwood salami, sun-dried tomatoes and manchego.

Caliterra Tributo Cabernet  Sauvignon Single Vineyard Block "Quillay" 2010 (£10.99)

Expressive nose of berries, mocha and leather - lots of cooked fruit on the palate, but rather alcoholic and overblown.

Again, slightly hot on the finish, but not without some savouriness - more statement than elegance. Match the ripe sweetness with roast lamb.

Available from independents; provided for review.

Other related articles
Two Wines from Chile's Caliterra
Caliterra Tributo Single Vineyard Chardonnay
Caliterra Tributo "Single Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 
De Martino at Circle of Wine Writers

Links
Caliterra - website