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William Cole Vineyards lies deep within Chile's prestigious CasablancaValley, often called "Chile's Burgundy." This cool climate vineyard near the coast, which is comprised of over 250 contiguous acres, provides a long, warm growing season with cool nights to develop excellent acidity. Owned by Bill Cole and his Chilean family, the winery specializes in cool climate varieties, like Chardonnay, making cool, crisp, clean and complex wines. The Chilean wine history begins with the arrival of Spanish conquerors in the mid-sixteenth century. The missionaries introduced the vines to produce wine for the mass. It is believed that the first vineyards in Chile were planted by Francisco de Aguirre Copiap? in northern Chile. Diego Garcia de Caceres first planted vines in 1554 in Santiago. The grapes from the Santiago area were used in the mass production of wine, according to records dating back to 1555. The cultivation of vines and wine production moved south during the next one hundred years, reaching beyond the Bio Bio River. Just west of Santiago, on the road to Valpara?so, is the Casablanca Valley. A cool coastal climate makes this wine-growing region ideal for white varietals, and accordingly the Casablanca Valley is known for its premium Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines. Wine production began in this region in the 1980s, and as a result the wine facilities here have a very modern feel. This stretch of tree drenched hills has become Chile's top white wine region. In the 1980s, against conventional wisdom, viticulturist Pablo Morand? decided to plant roughly 50 acres of Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc in Casablanca. His instincts were right: The brisk Pacific breezes keep the summer heat in check, resulting in healthy vines which ripen slowly and thus pick up intense concentration and flavor. Albamar pays homage to the Casablanca Valley's foggy sunrise ("alba" means sunrise) and the cooling breezes of the ocean ("mar" means ocean). Today Casablanca has eight wineries and more than 10,000 acres of vines. This unoaked Chardonnay gives off a golden color with green tones, fresh in nose withtropical fruits that lead to a refreshing finish accented with citrus notes. It's freshness and finish have an almost Chablis-like quality. Pair with shrimp dishes, salads or chicken empanadas. February 2011 Limited Series Newsletter (.pdf) Tasting te February Limited Series Selections from Wine of the Month Club on Vimeo. |
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