Real Carmenere Medal 2022

Description of the Santa Rita Winery

Domaine Santa Rita, anchored in Chile's rich winemaking tradition, is recognized for its excellence in producing wines that authentically express the country's unique terroir. Specializing in several grape varieties, Santa Rita is particularly admired for its work with Carmenere, a grape that has found a second home in Chile. The estate is committed to producing wines that combine depth, complexity and elegance, reflecting the passion and know-how of its winemakers.

Description of the Cuvée Santa Rita Medalla Real Carmenere

The Cuvée Santa Rita Medalla Real Carmenere is a sublime expression of this emblematic Chilean grape variety. Coming from vineyards selected for their exceptional quality, this cuvée highlights the potential of Carmenere to produce wines of character and distinction. The Medalla Real is the result of careful vinification and careful aging, aiming to present a wine that is at once rich, velvety and blessed with an elegant structure. It captures the essence of Carmenere with sophistication and finesse.

Aromas of the Cuvée

Offering a rich and captivating nose, Medalla Real Carmenere is distinguished by aromas of ripe black fruits, such as blackberry and blackcurrant, enhanced with notes of black pepper, chocolate and a distinctive herbaceous touch. Aging in oak barrels gives the wine subtle nuances of vanilla and toast, adding to the complexity without overshadowing the fruit profile.

Characteristics of the Cuvée

• Grape variety: Carmenere
• Profile: A deep and enveloping wine, with silky tannins and well-balanced acidity which offer a perfect balance. Medalla Real Carmenere is appreciated for its length on the palate and its persistent spicy notes, offering a rich and harmonious tasting experience.
• Aging Potential: Intended to be appreciated for its intensity and richness from its youth, this vintage also has good aging potential, allowing aromatic development and increased complexity over time.

Pairings with this Cuvée

The Santa Rita Medalla Real Carmenere pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, spicy dishes and hard cheeses. Its distinctive character and depth make it an excellent choice for festive 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.