Explore Chilean wines at MLH

Saturday, 6 August 2011 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Valdivieso is one of the longest established names in Chilean winemaking, with the first release of Valdivieso wines being in 1887. These were sparkling wines, made by the founder of the business, Alberto Valdivieso. Alberto was influenced by the time he spent in Paris as a youth, when he favoured champagne from Veuve-Clicquot.

For decades sparkling wine remained the mainstay of the business, but during the 20th century Alberto also began to produce still wines. In 1949 the business was bought up by the Mitjans group, which produces a vast array of wines and spirits for consumption mainly on the domestic market.

In recent years international sales of Chilean wines have begun to take off, and Valdivieso have exploited this new market with a good range of varietal and single vineyard reserve wines from their Lontué and Maipo vineyards. As with many other New World producers, however, once an international market for their wines had been established Valdivieso saw an opportunity for an up market premium label, and this led to the creation of Caballo Loco.

Valdivieso Wines have become well-known and greatly awarded all over the world in different international competitions. These wines have had outstanding presentations both in France and England among other countries. Therefore, it is not by chance that Viña Valdivieso has become in the last years one of the top and most consistent Chilean wineries.

The Chilean Wine Maker’s night at MLH will take place on 3 September at the Maitland State Room. A fine selection of Chilean wines such as Valdivieso Single Vineyard Merlot, Valdivieso Sauvignon, Valdivieso Reserva Chardonnay, Valdivieso Caballo Loco will be served during the event. These choice of wines will be complemented with a five course dinner priced at Rs 5500/-. Guests will have the opportunity to sample the menu items appropriately paired with selected wines, showcasing the diverse range and compatibility of Chilean wine. Seared Tuna “Ceviche”, Avocado and Crab Dome, Ossetra Caviar, Ajo-Saffron Aioli, Mussel-White Wine Broth with Pimento and Seabass, Assorted Meats and Sausages with Tomatican, Potato Terrine and Sauce Chancho en Piedra are some of the items on the menu.

Brett Jackson , Valdivieso’s winemaker stopping by at MLH on 3 September for the Winemakers’ Night, your evening could be exalted further on his thoughts on how the vintage went down in Chile.

Chilean Winemaker’s Night is sponsored by Favourite International.