Hello dear friends! Another Wednesday of wine talk. And this one is a special one since The Wine Chaser is now officially representing Korta Wines in Florida. Founded in the 1990s by the Korta-Bucarey family of Basque origins, Korta has become one of the most important wineries in the Maule Region of Chile, a major wine-producing area in central Chile traversed by the Maule River, which flows west from the Andes through the huge Colbún Lake. Korta, specifically prominent in the Sagrada Familia Valley, produces remarkable wines on lands renowned for their great agricultural development, its farming traditions and the exceptional quality of its soils and climate.
It all started in 1997, when after gathering vast experience through various agricultural businesses from the past, Mr. Francisco Corta Gurruchaga and Mrs. Amanda Bucarey Fuentes decided to explore wine production and business. That's how they acquired the historic Santa Ana de Peteroa Estates. After this, and with the help of some of the best viticultural and enological advisors in the country, the planting of the wine varieties that have characterized Korta wines began: Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Carignan, among others. The concept: creating wines with identity, which not only deliver quality, but also an experience to all wine consumers, achieving a journey guided by different flavors and aromas. A challenging but totally achievable task when considering that Korta's are located near the 35th parallel south, which is the global location of the best wines on the planet.
The winery's vineyards in La Sagrada Familia Valley (180 hectares) rely on their proximity to the sea to produce grapes of excellent quality, color and concentration specially when it comes to red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. The vines are under the constant influence of coastal winds, which causes a great thermal gap between day and night.
But hey, Korta also produces excellent white! Next to where Andean mountains emerge like stone giants, in the pre-mountain range of the Curicó Valley is where they grow white varieties. This cooler climate is nothing but ideal for the development of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, and other varieties.
I have been lucky enough to have tried some of Korta's creations and I must say that they are truly exceptional. Stay tuned because we, for sure, will prepare an official presentation of their catalog. I was blown away by Korta Reserva de Familia, a complex blend of Petit Verdot, Carménère, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. The result of this mix, aged in French and American oak barrels for 12 to 14 months, is intense and specially elegant. Reserva de Familia, of deep red color, shows complex notes on the nose, mixing spices and ripe red fruits notes. The barrel ageing gives a mild base which elegantly complements its smooth flavor. This is a beautifully balanced and vibrant wine, with great volume.
On the 'white side' Irune really impressed me. This one is made made with very similar amounts of Viognier, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Irune, of delicate light yellow color with greenish hues, truly reflects and summarizes the weather where it comes from. It's delicate and intense on the nose with white fruits aromas like peaches, and light touches of soursop. I found it more than ideal for Miami's sunny weather!
We are truly excited for this new opportunity and cannot wait to taste and pair these amazing wines with you. Then, we will tell you the story behind each label, and unveil every single note behind Korta's bottles! Enhorabuena!
And that's a wrap for today! Have a happy week and... let's meet here next Wednesday again! Until then, Santé!
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