2010 La Playa Colchagua Valley, Chile ‘Claret’ Block Selection

About This Wine

Vina La Playa includes the words “Green Practices” on its bottle labels.

And it takes those words seriously — enough to have obtained ISO 14000 status for its vineyards. ISO 14000 is a globally recognized quality environmental management program that focuses on a winery’s environmental footprint, and helps it continually reduce its environmental impact. It is a rigorous affiliation that requires three years to complete, then is constantly monitored thereafter.

The winery encompasses 600 acres of prime property in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, along with 200 acres in Limari Valley and additional plantings in Curico Valley, Bio-Bio and Maule Valley. All of the vineyards are farmed using sustainable practices.

The 2010 La Playa “Claret” Block Selection bottling was crafted from four traditional Bordeaux varieties grown in specially selected blocks of the Colchagua Valley vineyard. It’s a well-balanced, full-bodied wine that’s simultaneously palate pleasing and gentle on the environment, and it will make your wine-loving friends “green” with envy.

About Bordeaux Blend

A Bordeaux Blend is a blended red wine with six varities: Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:41% Petit Verdot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 4% Carmenere
• Grape Source:Colchagua Valley, Chile
• Aromas & Flavors:Smoke, Tobacco, Menthol, Cherry, Cassis and Blackberry
• Aging Vessels:Assorted Oak Barrels for 8 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2018
• Food Pairing Suggestiondry-aged grilled beef, or beef stew.

Member Ratings

Recipes.

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  Lemony Lamb Chops Here's a versatile dish that matches well with red Bordeaux or Merlot, yet also can be enjoyed with white wines because of its lemon-flavored sauce. It makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  Barbecued Short Ribs With Asian Marinade This recipe, which serves 6, makes an anything-but-typical companion to red wine blends that are based on the varieties of Bordeaux. If you can't find certain ingredients at your supermarket, track down a Korean market... Get The Recipe
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  Beef Roast With Winter Fruit This recipe is ideal for the chilly evenings of winter, and matches beautifully with Cabernet Sauvignon or red Bordeaux. It makes 12 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Maytag Bleu T Bone Steaks We decided to tap the "Born to Grill" cookbook for this amazingly flavorful recipe for the summer. It serves 4. Get The Recipe