Wines: Chilean charm arrives in Tabal wine

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 09/25/2005 12:13 PM  |  Life

Chisato Hara, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Nestled in a gorge in the northernmost region of Chile's wine country is Via Tabal, a vineyard that draws upon the mystical essence of Valle del Encanto, or the Enchanted Valley.

One of the foremost wines in Chile, the Tabal label is now available in Indonesia, launched on Sept. 21 at the residence of the Ambassador of Chile James Sinclair, as part of commemorative events marking the 40th anniversary of Chilean-Indonesian diplomatic relations.

Located on 150 hectares of virgin soil sprawling along the edge of Chile's Atacama Desert, Tabal's grapes have the distinct advantage of the climatic and geographic characteristics of the area.

The desert climate generates hot days, while a natural break in the western terrain channels northerly winds, carried up the coast on an Antarctic current, to provide cool nights.

As a result, the grapes have a slower maturation period that allow it to develop the unique aromas, flavors and colors that define a Tabal wine.

In addition, Tabal is the only vineyard in Chile that is located within an archeological heritage site, a National Historical Monument that contains artefacts of the indigenous Molle and Diaguita cultures. The winery has thus been designed to reflect the natural splendor of the valley and the traditions of the ancient Molle culture, a native people of Chile who lived in the area over 2,000 years ago.

The Tabal logo, for example, is based on pictographs left behind by these ancient peoples on stones and caves.

""We import the best wines -- not the top wine, but the best,"" said Bernard Haymoz, principal of Indowines, the sole direct importer of Chilean labels in Indonesia.

Although it is still a young vineyard at seven years, Tabal has already made its mark in the world of wine: in the First Annual Wines of Chile Awards, the label was awarded two of nine gold medals by a jury of six English and three Chilean experts; for the Tabal Reserve 2002 Shiraz and the Tabal Special Reserve 2003 Chardonnay.

While Tabal grows the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz, as well as the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varieties, it also produces Carmenre, a wine that is distinctly Chilean.

A bold red with notes of blackberry, coffee and spices, Carmenre is a complex wine with a smooth finish that makes a Shiraz taste and feel like a Merlot in comparison.

""The Carmenre is very bold, and is best with very spicy foods,"" said Herman von Bernhardi, Indowines' product manager. ""It is strong enough to complement even the spiciest dishes.""

Meanwhile, its Chardonnay has tones of honey, orange peel and tropical fruits, and the Sauvignon Blanc, the fresh aromas of eucalyptus and alfalfa, which grow in the valley.

""The Tabal is not a mass market wine,"" said Haymoz. ""It is an icon wine of Chile for individuals with a discerning appreciation for wine. ""

Tabal wines will be available at high-end restaurants and hotels, as well as major duty free stores; Indowines also caters to private orders.

PT. Indowines, Jl Raya Sunset Boulevard No. 166, Kuta 80361, Bali. Tel (0361) 756781, Fax (0361) 756783, www.indowines.com.

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