Cono Sur Premium Wine from Chile.

CONO SUR although at first glance one would  connect this name instantly with the word connoisseur, these two words actually mean Southern Cone, for the fact that these wines are produced in the most southern region of Chile known as the Southern Cone. Once these wines are tasted of course, one can also immediately associate them with the connoisseur label as they are excellent wines in  all respects.

Wine Valleys -Colchagua.

Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1993, with the vision of producing premium, expressive and innovative wines conveying the spirit of the New World. The company's name refers to the company’s geographic position; it represents wines proudly made in South America’s Southern Cone, on whose western edge lies Chile and its gifted wine valleys. Cono Sur applied new ideas and technology to winemaking traditional methods right from the start, so that wines produced would be the best or among the very best coming from Chile. The company's chief winemaker is Adolfo Hurtado who is also the General Manager, who states that the success of Cono Sur lies in understanding the origin of New World wines: expression of soil and climate melded with intense aromas of the fruit, yielding the elegance and concentration of full, fresh and well-balanced flavours.”

Typical vineyard.

This winemaker produce several wine brands from different grape varieties which come under brand names such as: their top of the range OCIO which is their icon wine and Chile's first ultra-premium Pinot Noir; 20 Barrels which is produced in various varietals; Vision; Riserva; Organic and Sparkling.

Riserva Carmenere 2009.
and Sauvignon Blanc 2010

As a wine taster and reviewer I have been given the opportunity to taste-test a selection of these wines which are new to Malta, and sample bottles of the following wines were submitted, and are illustrated herewith with our findings:

Cono Sur 20 Barrels
Merlot 2008.

1. CONO SUR 20 BARRELS MERLOT 2008 - COLCHAGUA VALLEY LIMITED EDITION:

This wine has won the "Five Nations Wine Challenge 2011" trophy for the best wine in its class and is produced from 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah and 1% A. Bouchet, harvested in the Colchagua Valley from the Peralillo Estate. Grapes hand-picked and carefully selected.

This wine has a deep, dark ruby red colour, is full-bodied and which leaves thick stains and tears all over the test glass. Aromas and flavours of black fruit, black currants and spice with hints of liquorice and dark chocolate. Full-bodied on the palate with a well defined structure and strong-round tannins, vanilla and oak. Finish is long and lingering.

Sampling glass showing
the wine body and tears
on the glass.

This wine is aged for 12 months in barrels, 1 month in stainless steel. Alcohol content 14% by volume.

Rating: This is a premium class Merlot which deserves RS92 points - Luxury grade premium wine.

Price range in wine shops and enotecas: Eur16 per bottle.

Cono Sur Carmenere Riserva 2009.

2. The second wine that I tasted was a superb, extremely good value
     CARMENERE RISERVA 2009 - Colchagua Valley.

This wine is produced from 85% Carmenere; 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah, grown and harvested from the Peralillo Estate in the Colchagua Valley. Hand-picked grapes.

This wine has a deep dark red colour, with a ruby top ring around the glass. it is full-bodied which also leave deep stains on the glass with long tears flowing down slowly. Aromas and flavours of cassis, red cherries with hints of coffee and dark rich chocolate. On the palate this wine is concentrated , well structured with strong mature tannins, and a very long finish.

This wine is matured and aged 80% in oak barrels and 20% in stainless steel over a period of 11 months prior to bottling. Alcohol content is 14% by volume.

Carmenere Risreva
sample glass.

This wine has been awarded the Mundis Vini Silver Medal and is rated by us at RS91 points - Premium wine.

An excellent wine that pairs well with rich red meats and strong cheeses.

Price range from wine shops and enotecas: Eur8.20 an excelllent value for a top quality Carmenere varietal.

Cono Sur Sauvignon
Blanc 2010 Riserva.

3. SAUVIGNON BLANC RISERVA 2010- CASABLANCA VALLEY.

This wine is produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, grown and harvested from the El Centinella estate in the Casablanca Valley. Hand-picked grapes..

Pale yellow-green in colour, with a bouquet of green apples and peaches, flowery; on the palate it is pure citrus with strong notes of grapefruit. It is fresh and elegant even delicate in the mouth, with refreshing minerals notes. Smooth and crisp acidity, well balanced.

Pairs well with fish, seafood, chicken, veal, most cheeses, pasta, pizza and vegetable dishes.

Cono Sur Riserva
Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Casablanca Valley

Alcohol content 13% by volume. Price Range Eur8.20 giving and excellent value for a rich white wine. After fermenting this wine is aged for 4 months in stainless steel tanks.

Rating: RS90 points excellent Easy Drinking.