There are people all over this world watching the California wine districts with great interest and perhaps, even with expectations.
It was not the recent earthquake that engendered this interest, but the weather. California is suffering from an extreme drought. It is not just this year; it's a condition that has been endemic for over five years. However, this year it has become a devastating event.
The grapes are shrinking on the vine from lack of water and many vintners have picked early to save what they can. At this point in history, it is impossible to tell what the 2014 vintage will be like, but making good wines from the drought-stricken grapes will present a challenge to all of the California winemakers.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, vintners are looking to the United States as a marketplace to fill in the loss left by the drought. One of these countries is Chile.
Anderra Winery is a major producer of wine in the Valle Central, the wine basket of Chile. That, however, is not Anderra's only claim to fame; it is a member of the legendary and world famous holdings of Baron Philippe de Rothschild. A wine that bears that name must be above average, as it would not be affixed to an ordinary or even lesser wine.
Anderra 2012 Sauvignon Blanc ($11)This wine has something extra many other sauvignon blanc wines often fail to achieve: a silky, creamy texture. There is the expected grassy, slightly smoky aroma combined with pineapple and citrus. In the flavor department, this wine covers the complete gamut of possibilities the grape offers - melon, pear and fig flavors. What makes this wine a standout is the creaminess and richness it displays and an underlying mineral flavor.
Our recommendation is to enjoy this wine with almost any seafood, except for very spicy dishes. With this wine, Anderra has elevated the sauvignon blanc to new heights.
Anderra 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($11)It is the cabernet sauvignon wines that a vineyard often hangs its hat on. This is a wine that Anderra can be proud of. The aroma is big, bold and obvious and a fiesta of berry and dark fruit scents. These aromas are constantly changing, are inviting and intriguing. The flavor, which is very concentrated, is as interesting and dynamic as the aroma. There are the flavors of cassis and deep dark berries, but also a hint of cherries, chocolate and cranberries.
The Anderra Cabernet Sauvignon is velvety soft and not overly tannic - so it can be enjoyed right now instead of having to wait several years for it to soften - but the wine can gain some depth and complexity if allowed some bottle age. This is a wine that has all of the elegance and charm of a selection selling for considerably more. Remember, drop the prejudice and snobbery over wines that are not French or American and try this fabulous wine from Chile. To say the least, you will be amazed.
Anderra 2012 Carmenere ($11)This grape variety was brought over from Spain by the earlier Spanish settlers so they could make the red wine they enjoyed in the old country. The wine from this variety has been a well-kept secret in Chile until recently, when vintners such as Anderra introduced it to the world. It is a deep red wine that exhibits the flavors and aromas of ripe berries, chocolate, pepper and oak. The Anderra 2012 Carmenere has an intensity of flavor found in very few wines, and, like a cabernet savignon, can perfectly accompany red meats, strong cheeses and pastas.
For a change in flavor and style, try this wine. It will be a sensory adventure at an affordable price and perhaps even give you a new favorite.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and manages ArticlesOnWine.com. He can be reached at frojhe1@att.net.
