Often over shadowed by the wine producing regions of Argentina and Chile, Peru's Ica region dares to compare. Of the area, the most sophisticated is Tacama Winery.
Tacama Winery
Last week I reviewed a guide to Argentine food and drink, this week we go to the heart of Peru's wine producing region of Ica to the Tacama winery. I visited the winery not long ago and was quite impressed at the sophistication of the site.
Few realize the quality of wines produced in Peru most likely because the grape growing region is quite small. There are just a few major labels other than Tacama such as Ocucaje. The Ica region south of Lima benefits from the cool air of the Humboldt Current much like Napa Valley. The region has just a fraction of production compared with say Chile or Argentina, but the quality of the wines is comparable.
It is set on a beautiful hacienda, surrounded by many acres of lush vineyards, where the wine and Pisco(a fermented white grape brandy)is made, bottled, and shipped. You get a chance to see the equipment that is of the latest European technology and the many vats filled with their many labels. A dozen or so varieties of wine are bottled here, as are several of the world's best Piscos and a few sparkling wines.
I have come to appreciate the Gran Tinto the most. The combination of Malbec, Tannat and Petit Verdot grapes give this ruby red wine an overall light and fruity composure. A Gran Tinto Seleccion Especial is significantly more complex.
A tour of an hour or so, availiable on most days, takes you inside the factory, around the grounds, and is complete with a tasting and opportunity to purchase at the end. No reservations are needed.
See Tacama's Website at www.tacama.com for more information.
