We asked three expert drinkers what wines they will celebrate the arrival of 2023 with. Here they tell us what are those must-have labels that you may also want to have on your table.
Rodrigo Villablanca, wine journalist and producer
“I like to enjoy the end-of-year celebrations with family. Usually, each one brings different sides for the classic Christmas turkey, but we like it without stuffing. I am always in charge of bringing the wine for all celebrations, which by the way I love, as I can always show and make them try different things. For appetizers, you can never go wrong with a brut sparkling wine or a fresh rosé like Marqués de Casa Concha Cinsault from Itata Valley, which with its minerality and its pleasant oiliness on the palate, goes very well with cheeses and charcuterie in general. We always continue with a seafood starter, which can be oysters or machas a la parmesana with a fish or shrimp ceviche. Here the wines chosen are always whites with character, such as Amelia Chardonnay 2021 from Quebrada Seca in the Limarí Valley or Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2021 from Colchagua. For the main dish, the traditional Turkey, which is baked for long hours in its own juices, I always try to have two or three red options available to choose from. Here the selection would be a Malbec, a Carmenère and a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Terrunyo line that pair perfectly depending on the different side dishes, which can be Arabic rice, potato gratin, sautéed vegetables or green salads”.
Massimo Leonori, head sommelier of Concha y Toro
“Because we are in the southern hemisphere and it is very hot, for New Year’s Eve I like light dishes and seafood. That is what I normally prepare here. When I lived in Italy it was very cold, so we needed a little more protein, and ate more meat and fatty foods… Here what I have in mind for the appetizer is an antipasto with some oysters, accompanied with Terrunyo Sauvignon Blanc. Then a ceviche, it can be tuna or reineta to pair with Amelia Chardonnay. And for the main course I would continue with pasta ai frutti di mare, that is a spaghetti, tagliatelle or fettuccine with a mix of seafood -mussels, clams and shrimp- to continue enjoying with Amelia Chardonnay. And finally an Italian dessert, Pandoro. For the 12 o’clock toast, a traditional method sparkling wine like Subercaseaux Grand Cuvee. That’s what I have in mind: pure white wines, chilled, ice-cold for the heat, and maybe a beer as an aperitif would be nice too”.
Marcio Ramírez, Concha y Toro winemaker
“At this time, as it is hot, I like a fresh rosé to start the evening. Especially in warmer weather, Casillero del Diablo Rosé or Marqués de Casa Concha Rosé are great choices. But for dinner, I think there is nothing better than a Chardonnay or a Carmenère. If we eat the typical turkey or if we eat cheese as an aperitif, a Chardonnay is perfect. It could be Amelia Chardonnay or my favourite at the moment, the Marqués de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2021, which has an extraordinary price-quality value. And for a slightly more forceful dish such as red meat or hot skewers prepared with christmas spices (such as clove, cinnamon and nutmeg) I think a rich Terrunyo Carmenère, well spiced with notes of pepper and grilled paprika, matches perfectly with this type of food”.