Introducing a Chilean Winery to Colorado

Whenever I walk into a liquor store, I’m overwhelmed by the rows and rows of bottles. Unless I have something in mind, I could wander indefinitely. Sometimes my choices are based on something that I’ve previously tasted. Other times I ask a clerk for a suggestion. While I’m not a wine connoisseur, I do have definite preferences. They usually aren’t related to the cost of the bottle. I’ve had the luxury of being treated to extremely expensive bottles of wine that I could have lived without. I’ve also purchased inexpensive wines that I adored.

During our domestic and international travels, we have visited vineyards. We have also attended wine tastings. Each experience has enhanced my understanding of the process and the subtlety of different grapes. These educational and social events have heightened my awareness. However, my ability to understand a sommeliers’ jargon remains a work in progress.

A couple of weeks ago, Ira and I attended a launch party at the Clyde Restaurant in Denver for the Chilean winery, TerraMater. TerraMater may not yet be a recognizable name in the U.S., but it has been singled out throughout the world for its exceptional wines and olive oils.

Sheryl Barto, the founder of O Communications in Aspen, organized this event. As I walked from station to station sipping wine and nibbling on paired hors d’oeuvres, I listened to an informative video that gave tidbits of information about the TerraMater Winery. I also conversed with the pourers of the wine. Along the way, I met representatives from the U.S. importer, Beverage World Specialties, LLC, the Colorado distributor, Bub’s Beverage Distributing Company, as well as two executives from TerraMater. Bub’s Beverage is Colorado’s newest distributor for single-batch craft spirits, small production vineyards, and specialty craft and imported beers.

While bringing additional wine options to the marketplace may eventually add to my wine selection bewilderment, I remain fascinated by the process. All of the key players—the vineyard, the importer, the distributor, and the marketers/public relations team all need to cooperate as they introduce the wine to stores and restaurants.

TerraMater has had a presence in Pennsylvania for several years. A few months ago, it started to nudge its way into Colorado. Facing stiff competition throughout the state, they plan to introduce their product in stages and will eventually offer 10 different types. Representatives from Bub’s Beverages are

strategically positioned in different parts of Colorado. They will be promoting TerraMater wine to liquor stores and restaurants. It will be interesting to see if they can get a foothold into a crowded marketplace. If anyone is interested in knowing where to purchase a bottle, leave a comment below. I’ll contact a Bub’s Beverages sales manager and update this blog with a list of places.

After going from station to station, I’m certain that some members of my audience may find TerraMater’s unique varieties and blends appealing. I sipped on small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Shiraz Rose, a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Paso del Sol line, a Zinfandel Shiraz from the Vineyard Reserve, a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Limited Reserve, and a Merlot from the Altum collection. My notebook is filled with the adjectives that describe each wine. I leave it up to my readers to figure out what appeals to them.

While talking with Catherine Wevar Zencovich, TerraMater’s commercial director, and Pedro Pablo Soler, the export director, I learned about TerraMater’s virgin olive oil, Petralia. This oil received gold medals at Flos Olei and Trofeo Sol D’Oro and was recognized at the World Healthy Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition in Spain as among the top ten extra virgin olive oils for lower content of saturated fatty acids and was also included in the top-ten list for higher content of unsaturated fatty acids. According to their website, it is the only Chilean oil to receive this heart healthy recognition. Two bottle sizes can be ordered online at B & A Imports, L.L.C. and will be shipped throughout the U.S.

Vineyards being planted near olive trees goes back to the Mediterranean region during biblical times. This mix of olives and grapes was transported to other parts of the world. Nowadays, Israel and European countries such as Spain and Italy have been notable marketers of both products. Nowadays, Chile produces both products.

For almost 20 years, TerraMater has been producing fine wines. Perhaps, one day soon when you’re strolling through the Chilean wine section of your local liquor store, you’ll come across one of their bottles. If you end up trying it, I’d love to hear about it. Likewise, if you try the Petralia olive oil share your opinion below.

BIO

Sandra Bornstein is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer. She shares her experiences and recommendations on this blog and on other websites. Sandra writes a monthly travel tip column for Golden Living, a Best Version Media magazine. 

Sandra is the author of  MAY THIS BE THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE. This memoir highlights Sandra’s living and teaching adventure in Bangalore, India. As a licensed Colorado teacher, Sandra has taught K-12 students in the United States and abroad. She also taught college level courses.

Sandra’s memoir was a finalist in the Travel category for the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the 2013 International Book Awards, the 2013 National Indie Book Excellence Awards, 2013 USA Best Book Awards, and a Honorable Mention award in the Multicultural Non-Fiction category for the 2013 Global ebook Awards.