Claudio Cilveti, Managing Director of Wines of Chile, speaking in Amsterdam (photo by Álvaro Arriagada)
The second round in the European segment of the ongoing Chilean Wine Tour 2012began in Amsterdam, Netherlands on September 3, where Wines of Chile’s Managing Director Claudio Cilveti was a panelist in the “Premium Chilean Wine: The ‘B’ sides” workshop.
Chilean Wine Tour 2012 provides networking opportunity in Amsterdam (photo by Álvaro Arriagada)
As a collaboration between ProChile, Wines of Chile and Melman Communications, the workshop provided an opportunity for fruitful dialogue between European and Chilean wine industry professionals.
Other members of the workshop panel included Peter van Houtert, Commercial Director of import company Verbunt; wine journalist Cees van Casteren; and ProChile Benelux Director Christophe Desplas.
Desplas provided an introduction to the Chilean wine market in Netherlands.
Christophe Desplas, Directo rof ProChile Benelux (photo by Álvaro Arriagada)
Cilveti’s presentation discussed innovative initiatives taking place in Chile, such as production of nontraditional grape varieties, terroir developments, and sustainability.
Claudio Cilveti (photo by Álvaro Arriagada)
Van Houtert spoke from an importer’s perspective about issues and challenges related to establishing a market for premium wines in the Netherlands.
Peter van Houtert, Commercial Director of Verbunt (photo by Álvaro Arriagada)
Van Casteren followed by presenting eleven exquisite premium wines for tasting.
Wine journalist Cees van Casteren (photo by Álvaro Arriagada)
The following premium wines were tasted by participants:
Eclat, Valdivieso, Carignan / Mourvedre / Syrah 2008
Specialties Wild Spirit, Santa Carolina, Mouvedre 2010
Montes Alpha Syrah, Montes, Syrah / Cabernet Sauvignon/Viognier 2009
Outer Limits CGM, Montes, Carignan /Grenache /Mouvèdre 2010
Chaski , Pérez Cruz, Petit Verdot/Carmenère 2009
Reserva Especial, J. Bouchon , Malbec 2008
Trisquel, Aresti, Sauvignon Blanc 2011
TH, Undurraga, Chardonnay 2009
Marqués Casa de Concha, Concha y Toro, Pinot Noir 2011
Single Vineyard, Errázuriz, Syrah 2009
La Capitana Reserva, La Rosa, Carmenère/ Cabernet Sauvignon /Cabernet Franc 2011
Chilean wines tasted in Amsterdam (photo by Álvaro Arriagada)
Twenty-six Chilean wineries participated in the successful event: Amayna, Anakena, Aresti, Bisquertt, J.Bouchon, Concha y Toro, El Principal, Emiliana, Errazuriz, Estampa, La Fortuna, La Junta, La Rosa, Maola Wines, Millaman, Montes, Perez Cruz, Quintay, Santa Carolina, Tarapacá, Undurraga, Valdivieso, ventisquero, Veramonte, Vinos del Sur /Rucahue, Viñedos Errazuriz Ovalle
Savoring Chilean wine (photo by Álvaro Arriagada)
Wine writer Christian Callec later described the successful Amsterdam workshop and tasting as “a warm and open minded gathering of wine importers, retailers, sommeliers, wine & food writers and of course Chilean winery ambassadors, oenologists and export managers.”
Christian Callec (left) with Jaime Lamoliatte of Viña J Bouchon (center) (photo by Álvaro Arriagada)
This successful gathering also provided an opportunity for conversation between Wines of Chile and Jacqueline Snoeker, Senior European Sourcing Manager of Ahold supermarket chain in Europe. Snoeker provided positive and valuable feedback regarding Chilean wines, along with her perspective on the Dutch wine market.
Claudio Cilveti with Jacqueline Snoeker, Senior European Sourcing Manager of Ahold Europe (photo by Álvaro Arriagada)
