Santa Rita 120 Carmenere 2023

Description of the Santa Rita Winery

Domaine Santa Rita, located in the heart of Chile, is famous for its expertise in producing wines that capture the spirit and diversity of the Chilean terroir. With a rich history and a winemaking tradition that dates back over a century, Santa Rita has established itself as a major player on the global wine scene. The estate stands out for its commitment to innovation and quality, producing wines that combine tradition and modernity. Among them, Carmenere, Chile's emblematic grape variety, occupies a special place, reflecting the unique character of the region.

Description of the Cuvée Santa Rita 120 Carmenere

The Cuvée Santa Rita 120 Carmenere is a tribute to the heritage and winemaking excellence of the estate. This cuvée, from carefully selected vineyards, highlights the potential of Carmenere to produce wines that are both rich and balanced. Characterized by its intense fruitiness, its suppleness and its spicy notes, the 120 Carmenere is a perfect example of the estate's ability to express the quintessence of this grape variety in an accessible and pleasant style.

Aromas of the Cuvée

The 120 Carmenere reveals a rich and aromatic nose, offering aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry, accompanied by notes of black pepper, chocolate and a slight woodiness. These aromas are complemented by characteristic herbaceous touches, adding an extra dimension to the complexity of the wine.

Characteristics of the Cuvée

• Grape variety: Carmenere
• Profile: A soft and round wine, with ripe tannins and moderate acidity which contribute to its general balance. The 120 Carmenere vintage is appreciated for its pleasant finish and lingering spicy notes, offering a harmonious and satisfying tasting experience.
• Aging Potential: Designed to be enjoyed young for its freshness and fruity expression, this cuvée also has moderate aging potential, allowing a subtle evolution of aromas and flavors over time.

Pairings with this Cuvée

The Santa Rita 120 Carmenere is an ideal companion for a variety of dishes, from grilled red meats to spicy stews, as well as medium-strong cheeses. Its versatility and distinctive character make it an excellent choice for convivial meals and special occasions.

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.