It’s a new year and today finally feels like the first day of work. As always, until the Befana – January 6 – (the Epiphany), I never feel like the holiday season has ended.

I like to start the year with sparkling wine and today’s wine of the week is Undurraga Brut from Chile, a country I love.

The wine is made from 60% Chardonnay grapes and 40% Pinot Noir. The grapes grow on well-draining alluvial soils and are hand harvested and then fermented separately. After the first fermentation, they are blended and placed in the tank for the second fermentation. Made using the Charmat method,this cheerful sparkler is a great way to celebrate the New Year.

I was reminded of this wine when I was watching this video with the World Wine Guys – Mike and Jeff, authors of some amazing wine books and cookbooks including this one on the Wines of the Southern Hemisphere.

I spent the New Year in 2009 on a boat in Patagonia where I saw my first glacier and some of the most glorious landscapes I have ever seen.

I actually was moved when I saw this glacier, glowing blue in the sea. If you get the chance, try to get to Patagonia as soon as possible. If you can’t get there, you can always feel like Chile is close by drinking Chilean wines.