Most Chilean Sauvignon Blancs, Rieslings and Gewurzes imitate the European standard but some follow the New Zealand model. Vina Casablanca (http://www.casablancawinery.com/) tends towards the latter, and, though they belong to Carolina Wine Brands, do a pretty good job. As temperatures soared over the last few days, we tried a few of these, nicely chilled. After all these years of trying Chilean wines, I still don't know what a Chilean style might be, but those who appreciate a very fruity but not over ripe or acid challenged style should give these a try, especially since they are available for around $10 in the US (here, of course, though they come from a neighboring country with whom we have tarriff exemptions, they cost closer to $30, courtesy of... don't get me started!).
2006 Viña Casablanca Coleccion Privada Sauvignon Blanc D.O. Valle de Casablanca 13.5%
Black plastic cork (boo). Brilliant color. Gooseberry, passion fruit and capsicum aromas. Decent acidity, pleasant bitterness, but beginning to oxidise from the generous aeration provided by the plastic cork. Drunk just in time, and pleasurable in a Kiwi sort of way.
2006 Viña Casablanca Nimbus Estate Single Vineyard Gewurztraminer D.O. Valle de Casablanca 13.5%
Black plastic cork (boo). Brilliant color. Intense lychee and ripe grapefruit aromas. Slightly more sweet than acid, light finishing bitterness. Juicy, attractive. No trace of oxidation, so perhaps more stuffing than previous.
2007 Viña Casablanca Nimbus Estate Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc D.O. Valle de Casablanca 13.5%
Ordinary cork (a step back, but an improvement). Brilliant color. Ripe aromas of grapefruit rind, green peppers and capsicum. Mouth shows intense tropical fruit medley and, like the previous, slightly more sweetness than acidity. But very easy to down, like a sophisticated soft drink.