Hardly the first origin that comes to mind with regard to wine. Tequila, ok, now we’re talking, but wine?
Yes, Mexico is more than tequila and cerveza, they’re also winemakers that we should keep an eye on. Because if they can make wine in any way as good as they can make an enchilada, well…
Now I’ve heard more talk about Mexican wines than I’ve tried, but this Casa Madero white is proof that they could be on to something. Granted, they’re said to be the oldest wine-growing region in the Americas, but when Spain’s King Charles II slapped a church-only production law on them, wine pretty much lost any footing it had. Then the Mexican Revolution did its damage. And as wine is mainly imported into the country, the government put an arguably unreasonable 40 percent tax on each bottle, which certainly doesn’t stimulate a strong wine culture.
All the same, Mexico makes wine, and I got to try some.
Casa Madero Chardonnay & Chenin Blanc 2014
A Casa Madero Chardonnay & Chenin Blanc blend from Mexico’s Valle de Parras. Apricot, tropical fruit and citric aromas make for a pleasant nose. Light and fairly neutral in mouth with medium acidity and a slightly salty, medium finish. Balanced and easy to drink. We paired ours with sushi and it worked. I think a light seafood dish would probably be a better fit, but in the end, I’m more of an eat-and-drink-what-you-want kind of wine lover. It’s nice to enjoy a perfect pairing, but it’s not a requirement.
So there you have it, a Mexican vino that was acceptable. Special in that it’s from Mexico, but not one to steal the spotlight. I maintain however that we should keep an eye on Mexico, because the newbies/underdogs are always innovating and striving to make their mark on the world.
¡Salud!
**Bonus points for the one who can name me the song inspiration at the beginning without googling the lyrics!**