Chile is a viticultural paradise and one of the few countries in the world to be spared from the grape aphid phylloxera – a small green sap eating insect that feeds on grape roots and in the mid 1800’s decimated the vineyards of Europe. Chile is a narrow strip of a country 2695 miles long, yet no wider than 110 miles on average. Its land mass, narrow as it is, lies between the Andes Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. The best Chilean grape varieties are mainly pre phylloxera imported French rootstocks, and include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Viognier, and Carménère – a grape variety that traces its roots to France. It was brought to Chile and later became extinct in France because of phylloxera, but found its new home in Chile, masquerading as Merlot. In 1994 after DNA research, it was indeed identified as Carménère, and is now regarded as Chile’s signature grape.
Chile has made significant strides in the past several years in the establishment of a wine trail. The visitor to Chile can go to many wineries and tour beautiful facilities, be educated about wine, taste it and have a spectacular meal in winery restaurants. Many Chilean wineries now offer these amenities. One of the most important changes in the Chilean wine scene in recent years has resulted from the search for new areas for planting grapes outside of the central valley, and recognition of the many east-west valleys, proliferating Chilean landscape. Micro climates and micro soils in these valleys attract a new breed of Chilean winemaker, dedicated to matching these valleys and grapes and raising the quality profile of Chilean wines. Be on the lookout of Pinot Noirs and Viogniers from these areas!
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This Carmenère is made with the same care as our Bordeaux Grand Crus. Grapes are carefully picked by hand when reaching phenolic ripenes. After thorough sorting and desteming, grapes are placed in stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Regular pump over ensure a gentle extraction of the tannins. After malolactic fermentation, 50% of the wine is transfered into French oak barrels for a period of 12 months. Deep color with a touch of ruby. On the nose, the wine is balanced and complex with several levels of aromas; black fruits such as blackberries or ripe plums, toasted notes of nutmeg, graphite and the classic roasted red pepper typical of the variety. A Carmenère with great complexity on the nose, a young but balanced palate and a pleasant finish.
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Los Vascos wines are made with the same care as our Bordeaux Grand Crus. Grapes are closely monitored when reaching maturity in order to find the optimal balance between phenolic ripenes and acidity. After careful sorting and desteming, grapes are placed in stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Regular pump-over ensure a gentle extraction of the tannins. After malolactic fermentation, 50% of the wine is transfered into French oak barrels for a period of 12 months.Crystal clear, ruby color with garnet rim. The nose is expressive with aromas of black cherry, plum and cassis coming to the fore in an intense fruity base. The whole is enhanced by aromas from the barrel ageing, such as cedar and graphite, that generate greater complexity. The wine is soft on the entry, leading to intense and present tannins, conferring persistence. A Cabernet Sauvignon with character, providing a good reflection of its vintage.
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Gentle fermentation with minimal intervention in order to retain the delicate expression of the terroir. The wine is made in temperature-controlled (77-80°F) stainless steel tanks before being aged 12 months in French oak barrels. Deep garnet color, typical of this variety. The nose is very expressive with notes of berry pie, figs and floral accents. The barrels contribute aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon and the graphite very characteristic of Tonnellerie des Domaine barrels. On the palate it has great volume, rich acidity and tannins that will evolve in a great way and give it a greater ageing potential than usual as a consequence of one of the coldest seasons of the last decade.