2000 Montes Alpha M Apalta Valley Colchagua Chile. 14% alcohol. $12 a glass at Napa Valley Grill. Cabernet Sauvignon 80% + Cabernet Franc 10% + Merlot 5% and Petit Verdot 5%. $55. This winery was formed by four partners; according to the label, the "montes" is a solid granite mountain covered with native oak trees.
Deep red color; light hue; very good fruit and spice aroma; intense berry taste with black pepper and herb notes; mild tannins; medium mouth feel; relatively short finish, but very pleasant, with an overall impression of elegance and excitement. A very nice wine drinking very well now. I'm not sure, but a few more years may add a bit of complexity. 4*.
This wine was a great match with the Grille's version of Mac and Cheese with a side of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
2 white onions- small dice
1 TBS butter
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup whole milk or cream
1/4 cup parmesan-grated
1/4 cup orange cheddar-grated
1 tsp turmeric
salt to taste
white pepper to taste
Worcestershire sauce to taste
Preparation:
Sweat onions in butter until tender. Dust onions with flour and simmer for 8 minutes. Deglaze with white wine and whisk thoroughly. Add heavy cream and milk to the mixture stirring continuously until the flour is incorporated. Cook for 25 minutes. Add parmesan, orange cheddar and turmeric. Whisk until cheese has completely incorporated. Adjust seasonings with salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce.
Mix with blanched ditalini pasta then place in a brulee dish and cover with goat cheese and some more parmesan. Bake until the crust is nicely browned, about five minutes.
