Wines of Chile hosted a #WineChat event on Twitter on Wednesday, October 16. Sort of like a new world wines meets new technology.

I’ve explained the idea of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what the story is:

• Get a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured.
• Invite friends to share the wine and experience with you (or snuggle in your pajamas in front of the computer if you prefer).
• Sip and share your thoughts about the wine(s) with other tasters around the world using the designated hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Here are my tasting notes from the three featured wines – 2011 Montes Twins Malbec / Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Santa Rita Triple C Red Blend and 2011 Los Vascos Grand Reserve:

2011 Montes Twins Malbec / Cabernet Sauvignon

Great dark fruit, richness and structure from the Cab and silky roundness from the Malbec. Little vanilla on the finish from the oak. Nice Colchagua Valley wine for the price.

Pairings: Roast chicken, mushroom pizza, burger

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 50% Malbec, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: $18

2011 Los Vascos Grand Reserve

This Chilean wine is bright with cherries and stone fruit. It’s intense, has a nice level of acidity and a fruity finish with black licorice notes.

Pairings: Duck, seared salmon, pork

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carménère, 10% Syrah, 5% Malbec

Price: $15

2007 Santa Rita Triple C Red Blend

This Maipo Valley, Bordeaux-style blend has a lot going on for it. The 2007 Santa Rita Triple C combines the elegance of the old world grapes with new world winemaking techniques.Definitely not the typical Chilean red wine. Tons of earthy, smoky, leathery aromas with less blackberry than ripe currant that I’d expected. Deep, complex, interesting. Decant!

Pairings: Grilled meat, mushroom dishes

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 55% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carménère

Price: $34

I’ve been a fan of Chilean wines and these three bottles that were sent to me as samples are being added to my repertoire.

Cheers,

Veronique