Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Central Valley, Chile
A fascinating new project in Chile that has been years in the making. This blend of young Carmenérè, Cabernet Franc and some Malbec comes mostly from a 1.3ha vineyard that is as wild as the day is long. In fact, the estate is known for its rescue animals which freely roam about the land. Some of the fruit is still purchased until the vineyard fully matured. The wines are spontaneously fermented and aged for 18mos in a combination of old Chilean oak foudre and amphora. The wine has no SO2 added and is bottles unfiltered. It presents a brilliant garnet color that’s slightly hazy. The nose is remarkably fresh flowers, tobacco leaf, fresh herbs, and dark berries. Some VA for sure...but that relaxes after an hour of air. On the palate, it’s bright, crunchy dark fruits with a bit of earth and finishes long with smacking acid. The wine is rustic for sure but also remarkably fresh. Definitely own for the natural wine crowd and eschews the typical New World approach towards more international styled wines. This is definitely a project to follow.
A fascinating new project in Chile that has been years in the making. This blend of young Carmenérè, Cabernet Franc and some Malbec comes mostly from a 1.3ha vineyard that is as wild as the day is long. In fact, the estate is known for its rescue animals which freely roam about the land. Some of the fruit is still purchased until the vineyard fully matured. The wines are spontaneously fermented and aged for 18mos in a combination of old Chilean oak foudre and amphora. The wine has no SO2 added and is bottles unfiltered. It presents a brilliant garnet color that’s slightly hazy. The nose is remarkably fresh flowers, tobacco leaf, fresh herbs, and dark berries. Some VA for sure...but that relaxes after an hour of air. On the palate, it’s bright, crunchy dark fruits with a bit of earth and finishes long with smacking acid. The wine is rustic for sure but also remarkably fresh. Definitely own for the natural wine crowd and eschews the typical New World approach towards more international styled wines. This is definitely a project to follow.
Jul 28th, 2020
