Just over 30 years ago the great Bordeaux house Chateau Lafite Rothschild laid stake in the new world with its purchase of Los Vascos in the Colchagua province in Chile. To run the business they hired Claudio Naranjo, a young financial consultant who aided them in the purchase, as the General Manager. Decades later, Naranjo still holds that position but with a much deeper understanding of, and more importantly, a passion for wine. Today, Claudio is responsible for maintaining what is referred to as “The Spirit of Lafite” here in the new world. While making some great red wines, headed by Le Dix de Los Vascos, grand cuvee, one of the wines that most impressed from the Los Vascos portfolio is a $10 sauvignon blanc. This wine is among the best $10 wines I have ever tasted.

Now available on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud and Google Play. Click Subscribe above.

fooditor-logo-read

Check out our sponsor Fooditor.com,  the total Chicago food experience, bringing you the stories of Chicago’s chefs, restaurants, and people who make food all over town, in words, pictures, video and audio. Read local– read Fooditor.com.

Los Vascos People (6)

Claudio Naranjo, General Manager, Viña Los Vascos

 

LosVascosSavBlancsm2017 Los Vascos Sauvignon Blanc

Aromas of lime, grapefruit, subtle notes of passion fruit, and salinity. On the palate mouth watering acidity leads to flavors of tart apple, lemon, with a hint of minerality. This could easily be one of the greatest values in wine at just $10 per bottle.

SRP: $10

 

 

 

 

LosVascosGrandReservesm2015 Los Vascos Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Pretty and complex nose of red fruit, dutch cocoa and just a breath of mint. On the palate flavor of cranberry, black cherry and baking spices. A soft texture with good balance and fine tannin make this an elegant drinker. Another  super value at $21 per bottle.

SRP:  $21

 

 

 

LosVascosLeDixsm

2014 Los Vascos Le Dix

This grand cuvee is primarily cabernet sauvignon, blended with syrah, and carmenere, from vines up to 80 years old. Aged for 18 months in new and used oak it presents aromas of dark fruit like  black plum, blackberry, with hints of milk chocolate and graphite. Lovely balance, great tannins, and balanced acidity make this wine one to age for a decade or more, if you can wait that long!

SRP: $70