Summer Isn't Over Yet! ONA Anakena of Chile



Ona Anakena Chile
Aged in French Oak for at least 1 year

The September calendar may be rolling without breaks, but summer isn't over yet.  And there are still some great wines, perfect by pool or beachside just before the tide of Fall drops its leaves.  During the last post I introduced you to a great summer find, Ballet of Angels.  I would like to share another.

Well in our $12-15 price range I visited Chile, a favorite region of mine for wine and fruit and happened upon ONA Anakena of Chile.  A bright white blend of Voignier 35%, Riesling 35% and Chardonnay 30%.  I had trepidations at first, while I enjoy a good Viognier and a sharp dry Riesling, at times apart, the two varietals can be a tad sweet for me.  So initially when I read they were together, I thought, fruit bomb and I wasn't in the mood for a fruit bomb.  At the recommendation of Tim from Total Wine, I took a chance.

I was more than pleasantly surprised.  Although the Chardonnay falls to the background in composition, in taste it surpasses and forces the Riesling to take a back seat.  A delicate blend is created with just enough fruit, citrus and oak; it is aged in French oak barrels that also lends a slight vanilla smoothness to the palate (common characteristic of French Oak).

It is Chilean so you know you are in for a slight kick in the long finish but it doesn't put you off.  It lingers delightfully.  And although it is paired well with , marinated king crab claws, oysters, sea food ceviche, grouper with parsley sauce, lobster and your favorite salmon and poultry dishes, it made my Trinidadian Curry Chicken, Rice and Peas and Cabbage sing.

And while I may have billed this as a great summer wine, if you just happen to be in Maine, enjoying Lobster, fireside or up the coast whether East or West, diving into a crab bucket or peeling the tail from your first or last peel-n-eat shrimp with a blanket wrapped around your shoulders, this wine is your perfect companion....Cheers!