The 2009 Alto Colchagua KOYLE Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile is 14% alcohol, fine for this style of wine. It is ageable for another decade at least. The name comes for an endangered species that grows in oak forest in Chile and produces a lovely purple flower. The dark ruby red was made by the sixth generation of winemakers who started the winery in 1885.
The grapes were hand-harvested and vinified in small lots, then aged for a year in French oak barrels, and a 6 years old, it’s almost ready.
It was paired with Penne pasta with Asparagus, Sage and Peas. The dish was laced heavily with cheese and the big Chilean Cab was perfect with it.
By itself, it scored a 15+, but with the food, it finished with a 17 on the Dionysian 20-point scale. Black cherry, black raspberry and spice was set on a dry tannic wine but was smooth and had a very long finish. This is what food wines are all about. It’s cost was just over $27 a bottle. In vino veritas.
Big red wines are necessary for many pasta dishes. My wife prepared this dish perfectly.
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