INSIDER'S PICK: 2023 LAURENT WINES SYRAH 'GENEROSO' VALLE DE ITATA-$15.99

With such cold dreary forecasts ahead of us the next few days, it probably serves us well to have something open that brings a little warmth and comfort to the customers. So much of Chile's wine history has been with Bordeaux influence, especially around the city of Santiago and the Maipe Valley. More recent developments are going further and further afield and exploring different styles and climates, as well as rediscovering some older ones. Itata is on the Southern coast of Chile near the city of Conception, and brings about a sort of Sonoma-esque coastal vibe. Cooling ocean winds and fog, tall pines in the craggy hills, all makes for some temperate growing conditions. Though it was first established in the 1500s by Spanish conquistadores, it has been largely overlooked with all the money and attention focused around Santiago. The last few decades have brought a new wave of winemakers to the region, looking to take advantage of the older forgotten vineyards and establish a less invasive style of farming/winemaking in these remote nooks and crannies. This Syrah is a perfect example, taking up a very cool character Northern Rhone style for an excellent price. Savory, smoky aromas at first with some black cherry skin and peppery meats that get a little warmer with some time in the glass. The palate has lots of energy and bright acidity behind the smoky flavors and lightly dusty tannins, decently weighty but not thick or chewy, with a lingering peppery finish. This is begging for a savory stew or lentil soup, something meat-like if not actually meaty.

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