Distance was no impediment to 50 bloggers who enjoyed an on-line tasting in Santiago from the United States, guided by Chilean winemakers.

Marcelo Papa was responsible for presenting to the participants all the details about Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2009 and the characteristics of its origin, the valley of Limarí.

The central point of this on-line event organized by Wines of Chile was an analysis of the wines Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay produced on the Chilean coast.

“The geography, type of soil and varied climate create ideal conditions for preparing high-quality wines”, explained Marcelo Papa.

In this year’s festival—its 34th—Chile was the theme country, and Cabernet, the global focus. Don Melchor participated in three key activities: the “Don Melchor: Behind the blend” vertical tasting, the “Northern Gem, Southern Icon” winemaker’s dinner, and the “Kings of Cabernet Sauvignon” tasting of different representatives of the variety from around the world.

In “Don Melchor: Behind the blend,” attendees had the opportunity to experience the blend of Cabernet Sauvignon wines that go into Don Melchor. Winemaker Tamara de Baeremaecker presented the seven components of Don Melchor 2011: six different Cabernet Sauvignons plus Cabernet Franc, all from the Puente Alto Vineyard in Maipo Alto. Participants tasted each of the components that went into the final blend.

The tasting also included two vintages Don Melchor: 1993, which showed perfectly and clearly demonstrated the wine’s cellaring potential, and the most recent vintage, 2008, which is currently in the market.

The “Northern Gem, Southern Icon” winemaker’s dinner was held at the Blue Water Cafe restaurant, named the “Best Seafood Restaurant” by Restaurant Awards, the annual competition held by Vancouver magazines.

Working closely with the excellent cuisine of chef Frank Pabst, known for his creative style, his clean technique and commitment to responsible practices in the use of marine products, winemaker Tamara De Baeremaecker introduced the 1995, 2007, and 2008 vintages of Don Melchor, along with Terrunyo Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2010, and Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2009.

All in perfect harmony with the acclaimed cuisine of Frank Pabst, whose impressive resume includes, among other highlights, working in Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany and France.

The impeccable service at this wine-pairing dinner was overseen by the Blue Water Café’s Wine Director, Andrea Vescovi, whose focus is on diversity and providing a good price-quality ratio in the restaurant’s cellar, which has been widely recognized as one of the finest in Canada.

And finally, Tamara Baeremaecker presented Don Melchor 2008 in the “Kings of Cabernet Sauvignon” tasting, which included representatives of the variety from eight countries around the world, and in which there were only two Cabernet Sauvignons from Chile. This tasting was moderated by Canadian Master of Wine Barbara Philip, the nation’s first woman country to earn this coveted title.