País is a workhorse red grape of Chile. Widely planted, it is synonymous with the Criolla Chica of Argentina and the Mission grape of California. DNA evidence shows it to be the Listán Prieto grape of Spain’s La Mancha region that was likely transported to Chile by Spanish settlers in the 1600’s. Concha y Toro is releasing The Original Paísunder the Frontera Specialties brand. The nose shows bright strawberry, red cherry and cranberry fruits with floral and herbal hints. The flavors offer a soft and fruity style with some dried herb and pleasant spice notes and very light tannins. There is some sweetness but overall it is well balanced, smooth and easy to drink. Serve it with tacos or other spicy Latin fare and enjoy it in its youth.
Frontera by Concha y Toro, Valle Central (Chile) País 2013
By Wayne Belding