Wine Box Experience - Alex Salazar

Que Viva Vino

This month we are honoring the Hispanic culture with selections exclusively from countries of Spanish origin. Countries like Spain, Argentina, and Chile have made significant contributions to the global wine industry, each with its own rich historical legacy. Spain, one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, has been crafting wine for over 2,000 years, laying the groundwork for many winemaking techniques still used today. Argentina and Chile, both known for their ideal climates and diverse environments, emerged as major wine producers in the New World, with winemaking traditions rooted in European influence. These countries have played a crucial role in expanding the global wine market, showcasing their ability to produce world-class wines that reflect their unique cultures and geography.

The most popular grape varietals from these regions reflect the diversity and depth of Hispanic winemaking. In Spain, Tempranillo reigns supreme, producing the country’s famed Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines. Meanwhile, Argentina is renowned for its Malbec, a bold, fruit-forward red that has become synonymous with the country's wine identity. Chile is celebrated for its versatile Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère, a once-lost Bordeaux grape that has found a second home in Chilean vineyards. Now let’s look at what offerings we’ve selected for you this month.

Let’s start with the Cousiño-Macul Finis Terrae from the Maipo Valley in Chile. Cousiño-Macul is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Chile, founded in 1856 and family-owned for seven generations. The tradition of European influence when it comes to Chilean wines is a time-honored fact of their wine production. In this wine you also observe a method of not filtering the wine to give a true representation of the essence of where the wine comes from which is a tribute to the Old World roots of this winery.

Next up we have the Bodegas Garzón Tannat Reserva from the Maldonado region in Uruguay. The Tannat grape has its origination from the Basque country in the foothills of Pyrenees. Its name derives from the high tannin profile in the grape. It was then introduced to Uruguay around 1870 by Basque immigrants and it is today considered its national grape. This wine represents a resilient grape varietal which is highly adaptable is an example of the migratory story of winemaking from the old country of Europe to the new world of the Americas.

Adding Hispanic wines to a collection offers not only diversity in flavor but also a connection to centuries of winemaking heritage. These wines provide a sense of history, vibrant flavors, and unique profiles that can advance any wine enthusiast's appreciation of the world of wine. Let’s lift a glass in their honor and give them their recognition. Salud!