Viu 1 Malbec 2021

Located in the Colchagua Valley, in the heart of Chile's Central Valley wine region, the vineyard that produces this wine benefits from a Mediterranean climate tempered by the Pacific Ocean and the protection of the Andes Mountains. The Malbec vines are planted in alluvial and colluvial soils, a blend of clay, gravel, and sand, which promotes deep root development. This mosaic of terroirs allows for the expression of beautiful concentration while preserving freshness and balance in the wine.

The grapes for Viu 1 Malbec are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and then sorted before a cold pre-fermentation maceration. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in tanks with controlled pump-overs and rackings to gently extract color, aromas, and tannins. Malolactic fermentation occurs in barrels. The wine is then aged for an extended period in French oak barrels, with a majority of new oak, to refine the structure, add aromatic complexity, and harmoniously integrate the oak with the fruit.

This wine reveals notes of blackberry , black cherry , and plum , complemented by floral touches of violet and a spicy character blending black pepper and licorice. Woody nuances of vanilla, cocoa, and sweet tobacco meld into a harmonious whole. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and concentrated, supported by fresh acidity, firm yet polished tannins, and a long, flavorful finish that leaves an impression of finesse and structure.

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.