Let’s think about it. What makes a bottle of wine a great gift? Is it the way it tastes, if it is likeable, if it communicates a story, or if it comes in a beautiful package? In many ways, all these requirements would make a wine a great gift; however, you can rarely get them all in one fell swipe. Well, that is until now.
Coming from the Cachapoal Andes region of Chile, the Sideral Red Blend from Viña San Pedro is a flawless synergy in a constellation of exceptional taste. All bottled up and now on LCBO shelves just in time for the holidays.
It is a strong flex to say a wine is worthy of a bow on top, but the Sideral is a wine that truly deserves it. Since the early 2000s, this wine has received over 91-point scores from Decanter, James Suckling and Tim Atkin. Even if you are not one for points dictating how you buy wine, it is essential to note that this wine was scored against its peers, other wines in the region. Those high marks of praise say this is a wine emblematic of Chile in the glass, all done with phenomenal winemaking.
The Sideral shows power and dynamic flavour. This premium wine is a deep ruby-coloured wine with intense aromas of ripe red fruits like cherries, blackberries and black cassis, all intertwined with notes of cedar and earthen touches. Taking a sip leads you to experience a different side of the Sideral. A side that is fresh and juicy, with great lift and structure and a long, velvety finish. This is a wine that shows big. And that all has to do with the winemaking behind the bottle.
Crafted from vineyards located 110km south of Santiago that sits on the foothills of the Andes Mountain range, 500 meters above sea level, the Sideral is a blend that brings together Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carmenère, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Adding all these terroir aspects to wine, this red blend has also been aged in a regiment of French oak barrels for 16 months. It is a blend of grapes and a synergy of sustainable viticulture, small parcel vineyards, rigorous grape selection and tailed vinification.
This thought behind the wine creates the constellation of flavour in the glass. Sideral refers to emanating from the stars. The name is rooted in the Latin word for constellations. Explored through this wine’s captivating label is the concept that behind every constellation is a perfect balance of energy. Emblematic of the Chilean skies and the inspiration of winemaking long into the past, this bottle does a fabulous job of blending such worldly concepts with flavour.
It is the philosophy behind this wine that makes Sideral. To winemaker Gabriel Mustakis, winemaking is not just a job but a lifestyle. In his words, “It’s about taking care of the grapes from the vine to the bottle, seeking to reveal their true essence. As a winemaker, I’m the guardian of this process, and I have to combine my everyday work with the worlds of art and science. I have to pay attention to every little detail, observe the wine’s evolution, interpret the context, and make decisions based on my experience and the studies we have developed to ensure that the fine wines of Viña San Pedro reflect the true spirit of their origin: Cachapoal Andes.”
Thinking of the wine lover this bottle is meant for, instantly conjures to mind the wine enthusiast friend that is an avid adventurer. The person who sees themselves connected to nature and the world around us. The Sideral is a wine that communicates the nature of winemaking perfectly. The farming and eco-focused background that goes into making some so special.
Even if you don’t have the perfect person in mind, this bottle has become a go-to gift recommendation based on its flavour and memorability—a great addition to any party or even as a host gift. Highly pairable too, with all the holiday celebrations right around the corner, the Sideral will be a welcome complement to the boldly flavoured roasts, many plates of seasonal cooked veg, creamy pasta dishes, spices side dishes and even a bite of some creamy chocolate delights or mature cheese for dessert.
A red wine made for the season of giving, find the Sideral Red blend by Viña San Pedro on LCBO shelves. And enjoy a wine that will be a welcome addition to your holiday celebrations.