On the afternoon of September 5th, I attended a wine luncheon sponsored by Wine Enthusiast magazine and Ventsiquero Wine Estates.

Wine Enthusiast is a wine magazine that focuses on wine and spirits related topics with the requisite wine and spirit product reviews. They run a series of “Sip” tastings for the trade and the consumer, the last tasting covered the wines of South America, and an upcoming tasting will feature the wines of Italy.

Ventisquero Wine Estates is a Chilean wine company with vineyards throughout the country including the Atacama Desert.

The luncheon was held at Naro restaurant located at 610 5th Avenue in Rockefeller Center. The restaurant specializes in the “subtle and delicate flavors” of Korean cuisine.

It was a sit-down lunch with wines paired with each course. Ventisquero wine maker, Felipe Tosso was on hand to explain the wines and the wine making philosophy of the winery.

Very often when I attend a mega tasting, I have to say that I usually bypass the Chilean wine tables, so I was looking forward to having a sit-down tasting of Chilean wines from a quality producer.

Menu & Wines

Summer Tomato: Summer Squash, Chopi Leaf, Tomato Eung-i

2021 Tara Chardonnay (Huasco Valley): Unfiltered, slightly cloudy light gold, barnyard, roasted hazelnuts and peaches on the nose, moderate fruit with nice acidity and balance.

Potato Jeon: Koreon Melon, Peanut White Wood Ear

2019 Herú Pinot Noir (Casablanca Valley): Clear medium red with a brick rim, perfume of stone and barnyard, silky fruit with crushed rock notes with bitter almonds on the long finish. Nice balance and acidity.

Pork Jowl: Pinecone Ssamjang Cilantro Salad, Gamchil Paste

2021 Vertice La Robleria Vineyard Carmenere, Syrah (Apalta/Colchagua Valley): Opaque dark red with a brick rim, crushed black fruit, mint, chalk and stewed fruit notes on the nose, juicy and concentrated with red leather and crushed rocks on the finish.

2018 Pangea Syrah (Apalta/Colchagua Valley): Opaque black with a purple rim, barnyard, crushed red fruit, mint and stewed fruit on the nose, tight with dusty and firm tannins, crisp acids.

Lemon Verbena Hwachae: Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew

Wines served with the hors d’oeuvres:

2023 Grey Single Block Sauvignon Blanc (Huasco Valley): Clear light gold, mowed grass, stone and kiwi on the nose, moderate fruit with slate notes, good acidity, easy drinking.

2021 Tara Pinot Noir (Huasco Valley): Opaque medium red with a brick rim, perfume of black tar and red leather, concentrated black fruit with crushed rock and tart notes on the finish.