Gran Reserva Carmenère 2022

Located in the Colchagua Valley, in the heart of Chile's Central Valley wine region, the Viu Manent vineyard benefits from a Mediterranean climate tempered by the Pacific Ocean and the proximity of the Andes Mountains. The plots dedicated to Carmenère are planted on well-drained, predominantly alluvial and clay-loam soils, which promote optimal phenolic ripeness. This terroir, renowned for late-ripening Bordeaux grape varieties, yields concentrated grapes while preserving natural freshness and a clean aromatic expression.

The Carmenère grapes destined for Viu Manent Gran Reserva are harvested at optimal ripeness, then destemmed and carefully sorted before a cold pre-fermentation maceration. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with regular pump-overs to encourage the gentle extraction of color and tannins. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels for several months to refine its structure and develop complex aromas, while preserving the fruity character and balance characteristic of the winery style.

This wine reveals notes of ripe black fruit , plum , and black cherry , enhanced by hints of sweet spices , pepper , and cocoa , complemented by subtle roasted and vanilla accents from barrel aging. The palate is supple and balanced, with rounded tannins , moderate acidity that provides freshness, and a velvety texture that lingers on a persistent and pleasantly spicy finish .

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.