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February 2013 Classic, Limited and Vintners Series Wine Tasting Merlot, 2010. Corinto Sel
Corinto was established in 2006, when winemaker, Felipe Vial, sensed the need for good quality consumer-friendly wines with a sophisticated image at an affordable price. He has succeeded better than most. Corinto Winery's concern for global warming led to their participation in the National Energy Efficiency Program's Technology Node project for quantifying their carbon footprint. All procedures at the winery are carried out with an eye toward their goal of becoming completely self sustainable. Even the liquid industrial waste treatment plant has a wastewater treatment system to ensure they do not pollute the canals around the winery and everything is recycled. European Vitis vinifera vines were brought to Chile by Spanish conquistadors and missionaries in the 16th century around 1554. Local legend states that the conquistador Francisco de Aguirre himself planted the first vines. The vines most likely came from established Spanish vineyards planted in Peru which included the "common black grape", or Mission, as it was known, that Hern?n Cort?s brought to Mexico in 1520. This grape variety would become the ancestor of the widely planted Pais grape that would be the most widely planted Chilean grape till the 21st century. Jesuit priests cultivated these early vineyards, using the wine for the celebration of the Eucharist. By the late 16th century, French and Italian settlers brought their own, indigenous grapes and thus Merlot was reborn in Chile. Merlot has become one of the new darlings in Chile as it has in the rest of the world. The Maule Valley's maritime climate and lush soils insure perfect ripening for this grape and the resultant soft and luxurious wine. These wines are made for drinking now. Their lush flavors are too good to wait for. This soft and supple version can match most red meats and even roast chicken and hearty fish dishes. Serve slightly chilled. February Vintners Series Newsletter (.pdf)
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