| Introduction
Winemaking in Peru has a history dating back to the Spanish Conquistadores in the 16th Century. Vines were imported from Europe and were able to able to utilise the irrigation system established by the Incas. In fact, so successful was the wine industry, that there was an edict by King Philip of Spain, banning exports.
Since its origins, winemaking has been focussed on the province of Ica, a dry, desert-like region, irrigated by the Andes meltwaters. The average temperature rises to 33oC in February and March, but significantly, there are large differences between day and night temperatures, which slows down the ripening process and thickens the grapeskins, leading to fresher and more complex flavours.
The 20th Century history of Peru has been blighted by political instability, guerrilla warfare and suchlike, but nonetheless, there has been economic stability over the past 15 years. There is, at present, major agricultural investment, in particular by China in not just grapes, but asparagus too. Standards are improving.
The importers, Anglo-Peruvian, have recently decided to take the step of shipping Peruvian wines from three of leading producers on to the UK market. The Bin Ends membership, via myself, were invited along as “guinea-pigs” to assess and comment on their wines.
1. Vista Allegre Pinot Blanc 2005
Clean, fresh and citrussy, fairly neutral and refreshing, but let down by a bitter finish. Honest, straightforward summer quaffing.
CHP 14 points, Bin Ends 10 votes
2. Tacarna 2005 Blanco de Blancos Sauvignon Viognier Chardonnay
Herbaceous and pungent, offset by creamy butter and spice, but again let down by a bitter ending. More complex than above
CHP 14+ points, Bin Ends 4 votes
3. Vina Ocucaje Colleccion Rubini Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Juicy, high acid, lacking fruit and body. It evolves to a cream, nutty finish, but the mid-palate bitterness is unpleasant and lingers.
CHP 13 points, Bin Ends 7 votes
4.Vista Allegre Gran Cosecha Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Tempranillo
Thin and sour, lacking richness and body, but does open out to a creamy, nutty finish. Not for me.
CHP 13 points, Bin Ends: no votes
5. Ocucaje Fond de Cave 2005 Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon
There were juicy plum and cassis flavours, followed by a firm grip. Quite dry and savoury on the finish, with good balance and structure.
CHP 15 points, Bin Ends 8 votes
6. Tacarna Gran Tinta 2003 Malbec, Tannat, Petit Verdot
Dark purple colour, with aromas of black cherries and damsons, repeated on the palate, with added caramel. Richer, more complex, with a silky smooth spicy texture.
CHP 16, Bin Ends 2 votes
7. Tacarna 2004 Seleccion Especial Tannat & Petit Verdot
On the nose, aromatic violets, crushed berries and hints of aniseed, menthol and liquorice. On the palate, black fruits, meaty tannins and a touch of caramel. Again that hint of bitterness.
A well made, complex, wine, let down by bitterness.
CHP 15 points, Bin Ends 12 votes
Our hosts advised us that the wines shown were made in small quantities and the retail prices would be in the region of £6-£8. Whilst I appreciate the economics, the quality is simply not there at the moment to warrant a purchase. Nevertheless, thanks to the group for their support and our hosts for taking the time and trouble to come to Birmingham to present their wines.
By way of a reward, we finished with a Taylor’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port (£16.99 Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury, Majestic).
Lovely aged Tawny, with super flavours of orange peel, candied fruits and raisins, with a smooth, rich follow-through to a nutty finish. Very complex, and highly recommended.
CHP 18 points.
Next Tasting:
Tuesday, 20th December 2005
“Wines for Christmas”
An eclectic mix of winestyles for matching with assorted Christmas nosh
All tastings take place at
St. Augustine’s Church Hall, Lyttleton Road, Edgbaston
Start time: 7.30 pm prompt
To avoid disappointment, book early with Tim White
tim@birminghamplus.com
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