Casa Silva 1912 Vines Sauvignon Gris 2023

The scion of a vineyard planted in 1912, the 2023 Casa Silva 1912 Vines Sauvignon Gris ranks among the world’s finest examples of the rare Sauvignon Gris varietal. Produced from vines that are the oldest in Colchagua Valley, the 2023 Casa Silva Sauvignon Gris pays tribute to the superb but relatively obscure Sauvignon Gris varietal, which exists in few places outside of Colchagua, Chile and its ancestral home among the finest Bordeaux estates. As a relative of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris yields a dry, highly aromatic white wine but with considerably more body and texture than most Sauvignon Blanc. The 2023 Casa Silva Sauvignon Gris pushes the envelope and takes this rare variety to new heights. From the onset, it captures the eye with a bright sunny robe and haunting aromatics. Melon, ripe pineapple, verbena, and freshly squeezed citrus aromas and flavors emanate from this wine. Add hints of fig and an umami-like texture in the mouth and there’s no mistaking this wine’s venerable character. Although some may prefer to serve this Sauvignon Gris ice cold, we suggest one consume this outstanding offering between 40°-45° F, or even less chilled, in order to fully enjoy the texture, gentle minerality, and subtle complexities that lurk within Casa Silva’s highly allocated 2023 Sauvignon Gris. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2026. Enjoy!

Seafood is the first word and, perhaps, the last in accompaniments to the 2023 Casa Silva Sauvignon Gris. Clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, and shrimp are all good bets with this pure, tasty wine with a friendly twist. Caviar makes a splendid companion, too. Shrimp Ceviche, Sautéed Sea Scallops, and Seafood and Cheese Empanadas also provide especially mouth-watering complements to Casa Silva’s flagship white wine. Moreover, these dishes are a great way to wow a crowd. Chilean Sea Bass, marinated Yellow Fin Tuna, and in fact most deep sea catches that have been cooked over a charcoal or mesquite fire offer other terrific pairings with this wine. Nonetheless, we suggest you not limit this fine Sauvignon Gris to seafood. The 2023 Casa Silva Sauvignon Gris accompanies hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie, and cream based pastas as well as ham and pork with aplomb. Furthermore, it makes a splendid aperitif for those who desire more than a light citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy!

A dynamic, well-run winery, Casa Silva continues to astound with the quality as well as the variety of the wines it produces. Casa Silva is undoubtedly one of the truly great wine estates in South America. Located some two hundred kilometers south of Santiago, in the heart of Colchagua, an area many are now calling Chile’s Napa Valley, Casa Silva has garnered more recognition and awards at international wine competitions than any other Chilean winery. Catad’Or Hyatt, Chile’s most prestigious wine competition, has named Casa Silva “the Best Chilean Producer” three consecutive times. Furthermore, the International Wine & Spirit Competition named Casa Silva as “The Best South American Producer.” The Silva family, father Mario and now son Mario Pablo, along with Mario Geise, the winery’s outstanding consulting enologist, continue to take this beautiful property to ever loftier heights.

What comes as a surprise to consumers and critics alike is that Casa Silva’s present inception dates back to only 1997, the year this property began bottling premium wines under its own name. For generations the estate nurtured extraordinary vineyards, but made wine in bulk or sold its wares to other concerns. However, historical accounts tell us that the Silva family’s predecessors were pioneers in Colchagua more than a century ago, when they brought the first grape varieties from France to their Angostura estate at the base of the towering Andes. Today, the Silvas remain pioneers: they are Colchagua’s foremost experts on Carmenère, Chile’s emblematic red grape variety, and they produce the finest Sauvignon Gris (a venerable mutation of Sauvignon Blanc, and this month’s feature) we have ever tasted. Moreover, this great property remains at the vanguard of South America’s success with additional grape varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier, and of course Cabernet Sauvignon.