South American Adventure!

Wine Tasting Program March 10, 2004
Ticket sales begin at 6:30 p.m.
Doors open at7:00
Program starts: 7:30
Members: $15 (Please show your membership card)
Guests: $25.

Warm spring days are still a long ways off, but if you’d like a taste of gentler climates to tide you over, we invite you on a sunny South American adventure! At our March program we will explore the wines of Chile, a country that runs 2500 miles from north to south, yet never stretches much wider than the distance from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C. Then, we’ll cross the Andes Mountains to taste the wines of Argentina, land of the gaucho and the infamous Juan Peron.

South America is quickly gaining recognition for producing wines of exceptional quality that are still reasonably priced. Argentina and Chile have taken Old World grapes and found varieties uniquely suited to their particularly long growing seasons.

One up and coming variety is Malbec. Originally from the Bordeaux region where it is used primarily as a blending grape, Malbec is also the dominant grape of the famous black wines of Cahors in southwest France. But it truly thrives in the sunny, dry Argentine climate, producing fruity wines loaded with blackberry and black cherry flavors. Argentine Malbecs are similar in flavor to their European counterparts, but with softer, lusher structure, more like New World Merlot.

Lesser known is Carmenère, a variety once widely cultivated in Bordeaux and sometimes labeled Grande Vidure. In 1991 winemakers discovered that 40 percent of the vines in Chile that were believed to be Merlot were actually Carmenère. Stronger and spicier than Merlot and lower in acidity, this grape produces wines with soft tannins, rich color and aroma, and abundant flavor. Ever since Chile began actively marketing Carmenère in the mid-1990s, it has come to symbolize that nation, much as Shiraz has come to represent Australia.

Chris Upchurch from DeLille Cellars
We are excited to have winemaker Chris Upchurch from DeLille Cellars at our March program to discuss the flavors and nuances of our South American wines. Chris has traveled extensively, exploring the world of wine and developing his palate.

After graduating from the University of Washington and the University of Colorado, Chris returned to Washington and began his career as a wine buyer. He moved on to start a successful grape-brokerage business then, in 1992, took the next step and co-founded DeLille Cellars. Among its many accolades and awards, the winery has received Robert Parker’s highest rating (five stars, or “outstanding”) among Washington producers.

Chris has reason to be excited about South American wines right now. He will be leading a 16-day Winemaker’s Cruise from Valparaiso, Chile, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, from February 14 to March 1. We’ll think of him and look forward to a full report on his tasting adventures when he returns.

Authentic South American Cuisine from Mojito Cafe
Mojito Cafe is a lively restaurant known for its unique cuisine and friendly atmosphere, with a menu that draws from various Latin cuisines. Mojito Cafe began as a small eatery in Lake City with the goal of providing a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy Latin food. After gaining much recognition and developing a devoted clientele, the owners opened a new location on lower Queen Anne last spring. In addition to their delicious menu, Mojito Cafe offers La Cantina, a lunch-time delivery service for local businesses. And members of their Mojito Club receive special event discounts, menu and drink specials, free business advertising, and more. Check out their clever Web site at mojitocafe.com or visit them at
7545 Lake City Way NE or 181 Western Ave.

Preparing the food bites for us will be Chef Michael Posner who was born in Venezuela and has lived in Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, Spain and France. He has traveled extensively in South America and Europe and brings a truly unique background to his study of Culinary Arts here in Seattle. He has worked at the Sorrento Hotel and Plaza Resort Bonaire as executive sous chef, and has consulted for many restaurants in the Caribbean and Venezuela. He has been at Mojito Cafe since its inception.

The March program will feature these food and wine pairings:

Tortilla Española This is a typical Spanish tapa featuring thinly sliced potatoes, deep fried until light golden brown, mixed with well-beaten eggs and seasoned with sautéed onions and parsley.

CHILE: 2003 Vina Penalolen Sauvignon Blanc
Very unique wine with aromas and flavors of mandarin orange, lemon zest and tropical fruit. Great acidity. 89 Points Wine Spectator.

ARGENTINA: 2002 Catena Chardonnay
The wine shows a light golden color with marked greenish hues. The nose offers white stone and citrus fruit aromas interwoven with light notes of vanilla and slate. The mouthfeel is full and clean with pear and fig fruit flavors and a touch of sweet spice.

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Ceviche A native dish of Peru, ceviche consists of white fish cooked in lime juice with red onions and mild hot peppers.

CHILE: 2001 Apaltagua Carmenere
100% Carmenere fermented in stainless steel. This wine sees no oak, showing the full expression of this interesting varietal. Very fruit forward wine with plums and blackberries on the palate. Great varietal characteristics of tobacco and smoke as well. 88 Points and Best Buy Wine Enthusiast.

CHILE: 2001 Envero Carmenere
Made by one of the leading Chilean winemakers (Alvaro Espinoza) this wine is a blend of old vine Carmenere (60 yrs) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Oak aging gives this wine more structure. Black cherry and cassis flavors with hints of cinnamon and black pepper. Also has great tobacco notes.

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Escabèche Reflecting the influence of Spanish cuisine in South America, the most popular escabèche consists of grilled vegetables marinated in lime juice and garlic.

ARGENTINA: 2001 Elsa Malbec
Malbec, the star grape from Argentina, is nicely exhibited in the Elsa; ripe and rich, this wine correctly positions this varietal between the softness of Merlot and the power of Cabernet.

ARGENTINA: 2000 Ricardo Santos Malbec
Single vineyard Malbec with dark cherries, plums and chocolate flavors. This wine is rich, extracted and silky.

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Rollitos Thinly sliced roast beef, rolled and filled with guasacaca, a tangy mixture of avocado, lime, spices and black pepper.

ARGENTINA: 2001 Catena Malbec
A blend of two unique vineyard sites and microclimates, the 2001 Catena Malbec offers the dark, violet color typical of Argentine Malbec. The Nicasia vineyard offers explosive floral aromatics while the Angelica vineyard provides rich, ripe blackberry fruit elements. The soft, sweet mouthfeel and ripe, velvety tannins are characteristic of the Angelica terroir.

CHILE: 1999 Vina Penalolen Cabernet Sauvignon
From the famed growing region, Maipo Valley, this wine is made by renowned winemaker Ignacio Recabarren. Blackberry, cassis, eucalyptus and leather. Round, rich and complex.

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