Cinsault Los Castanos 2020

From the Masintin estate, this Cinsault comes from Chilean vineyards located in the Itata Valley, south of Santiago. This coastal and hilly region benefits from the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean and ancient, often granitic, well-drained soils. The Itata, the historical cradle of Chilean viticulture, is particularly renowned for its old Cinsault vines trained in the goblet style. The relatively cool climate allows for slow ripening of the grapes, promoting the expression of delicate aromas and a balanced structure in the resulting red wines.

The producer does not specify detailed winemaking information for Masintin Cinsault Los Castanos 2020; this Chilean red Cinsault is made from carefully selected grapes, vinified in a way that preserves the freshness of the fruit and the expression of the terroir, with controlled fermentation aimed at obtaining a supple texture and fine tannins, then measured aging allowing to preserve the pure and delicious character of the grape variety.

This wine reveals notes of crisp red fruits , raspberry , and cherry , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet and peony. Delicate spicy nuances and a subtle minerality bring complexity and freshness to the whole. On the palate, the wine is supple and juicy, supported by lively acidity, fine and discreet tannins, with an elegant and flavorful finish that highlights the easy-drinking and delicious character of this Chilean Cinsault.

It was Hernán Cortés who ordered the cultivation of vines upon the conquest of Mexico in 1524. It gradually spread from Mexico southward, reaching Chile in 1555. During the first three centuries of colonization, only país, a characterless and very productive black grape variety, was cultivated in Chile. It was not until the mid-19th century that noble varieties were introduced: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, mainly. Twenty years later, winemaking was modernized under the impetus of wealthy landowners and French experts who had been forced out of work by phylloxera in Europe. Chile stretches 4,300 kilometers from north to south. It is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Andes Mountains to the east, the Atacama Desert to the north, and the Patagonian plains and glaciers to the south. These natural barriers prevented phylloxera from entering the country. Although the country is only 160 kilometers wide, it enjoys ideal conditions for growing grape varieties from warm, intermediate, and cool regions, so much so that it is often described as a vineyard paradise. With nearly 300 estates producing bottled wines, Chile ranks between 6th and 8th in the world.