Block Series Carmenère 2020

The J. Bouchon Family Wines Block Series Carmenère cuvée embodies the purest expression of Chile's iconic grape variety, cultivated in the unique terroir of Mingre , in the heart of the Maule Valley . This historic vineyard lies on poor, rocky, clayey soils derived from ancient granite formations. The warm, dry climate, tempered by cool nights, allows for slow and complete ripening of the grapes, promoting aromatic concentration, freshness, and balance.

The grapes are harvested by hand , then carefully selected to preserve the quality. After a cold maceration, fermentation takes place in concrete vats to preserve the typicality of the fruit. The aging extends over 12 months , 70% of which is in tuns and 30% in French oak barrels , to refine the structure while respecting the natural expression of Carmenère.

This wine reveals notes of cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, sweet spices, black pepper, mocha, red chili , and dried flowers. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with soft tannins, beautiful balance, and a long, harmonious finish.

It was Hernán Cortés who ordered, upon the conquest of Mexico, the cultivation of vines in 1524. It gradually extended from Mexico southwards to reach Chile in 1555. During the first 3 centuries of colonization, there was no Cultivated in Chile as país, a black grape variety without character and very productive. It was not until the middle of the 19th century that noble varieties were introduced: mainly cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Twenty years later, winemaking was modernized under the leadership of wealthy owners and French experts who were forced into unemployment by phylloxera in Europe. Chile stretches 4,300 kilometers from north to south. It is wedged between the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Andes Mountains to the east, the Atacama Desert to the north, 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 has ideal conditions for growing warm, intermediate and cool grape varieties, so much so that it is often described as a paradise for growing grapes. With nearly 300 properties producing bottled wines, Chile fluctuates between 6th and 8th place in the world.