Unlike most of the world, I generally find Sauvignon Blanc is not a grape I favor, unless it is from the Loire Valley or blended in a White Bordeaux. I am not fond of the new world style Sauvignons or so I though. Therefore, I was quite surprised to discover that wines from Chile’s Casablanca Valley appealed to me very much.

Quite unexpectedly I found that I truly enjoyed the Vina Mar Sauvignon Blanc. It was light and fresh with nice acidity but none of the tinned vegetable notes or other characteristic aromas that one gets with other Sauvignon Blancs.

Vina Mar was started in 2002. Casablanca is ideal because you have warm temperatures during the day and cool ocean breezes at night and early morning fog. This combination of factors helps to keep the acidity lively. Vina Mar uses selection tables for the grapes and a pneumatic press.

The Sauvignon blanc ferments in stainless steel although for the special reserve version of this wine, a small percentage sees some wood. The fruit is more tropical on the special reserve and it is a bit creamier than the leaner 100% stainless steel one.

I am used to visiting wineries in the old world and have visited quite a few in the new world in Argentina, Australia, California and New York, however, I was quite unprepared for the scale of the holdings in Chile. The valleys run for miles with nothing but grape vines.

This winery reminded me more of a scene from Dallas, the soap opera, and I expected JR to walk out of the front door.

Another winery I visited on my trip was Vina Indomita. Here the decor reminded me of chic bars and night spots in Milan.

This estate was immense as well, some 200 hectares. Immaculately groomed and well cared for, the wines were pleasant. The Sauvignon Blanc was lemony with citrus notes. Not very complex but most enjoyable. The scenery is gorgeous. Nothing about these wineries is at all quaint but they were both truly beautiful.

The day was exceptional and I was sorry to see it end. Before going to the wineries we went to Pablo Neruda’s famous home on the coast, Isla Negra. Neruda, that most romantic of poets, is one of my favorites. I saw three of his homes while in Chile. He was a fascinating character with a love for everything related to the sea, although he was afraid of boats. His homes are fabulously interesting with a charming, eclectic variety of objects. Un incanto, come si suol dire…

Neruda’s poetry speaks for itself. Surely there is nothing I can add except to remind people to go visit Isla Negra, a truly magical experience.

While you are there, have a fruity Sauvignon Blanc, what a great way to relax. Our posts will be live between Friday, June 23rd and Saturday, June 24th. We will be chatting on Twitter on Saturday morning at 11:00am EDT. You can find us by following the hashtag #WorldWineTravel.

Here are the posts by my fellow bloggers:

• 2017 Louis-Antoine Luyt ‘Cuveé Benoit’ + Maple-Chipotle Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
• A Sauvignon Blanc from the Leyda Valley + Gambas al Pil Pil by Culinary Cam (you’re here)
• Organic Veramontes Chardonnay from Chile’s Cool Coast: Pair with seafood — or try with mole sauce! by Wine Predator…Gwendolyn Alley
• Sauvignon Blanc from Casablanca Valley Hits the Spot by Avvinare
• Talinay Sauvignon Blanc from Limari by A Day in the Life on the Farm