Secret Carmenère 2022

Originating from the terroirs of the Colchagua Valley, in the heart of Chile's Central Valley wine region, this wine comes from selected vineyards around the municipality of Peralillo, where Viu Manent has a strong presence. The Mediterranean climate, tempered by the Pacific influence, promotes consistent ripening of the Carmenère grape, while the alluvial and colluvial soils, a blend of clay and sand, allow the vines to develop deep roots. This diversity of terroirs gives the wine its full-bodied character, marked by a beautiful aromatic intensity.

The grapes for Viu Manent's Secret Carmenère 2022 are hand-harvested, sorted, and destemmed before a cold pre-fermentation maceration. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with regular pump-overs to encourage the gentle extraction of aromas and tannins. Malolactic fermentation occurs in both tanks and barrels. The wine is then aged for several months in French oak barrels, combining barrels of different uses to preserve the fruit while adding structure and complexity.

This wine reveals notes of ripe black fruits such as blackberry and plum , enhanced by spicy touches of black pepper and sweet paprika , as well as subtle herbaceous and menthol nuances. Woody and cocoa accents complete the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and supple, supported by fine tannins , moderate acidity , and a persistent, slightly toasty , and fruity 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.