120 Special Reserve Merlot 2019

Description of the Santa Rita Winery

Located in the heart of the Chilean wine valley, Domaine Santa Rita enjoys a reputation for its excellence in the production of wines reflecting the unique terroir of Chile. The estate, rich in a history of passion and dedication to quality, has distinguished itself by producing wines that integrate both tradition and innovation. Specializing in various grape varieties, Santa Rita excels in particular with Merlot, offering wines that seduce with their aromatic richness and balance.

Description of the Cuvée Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Merlot

The Cuvée Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Merlot is a vibrant tribute to the adaptability and expression of Merlot in the Chilean terroir. Selected from the most suitable vineyards, this Merlot is designed to capture the quintessence of the grape variety, combining generous fruitiness, suppleness and spicy nuances. The 120 Reserva Especial Merlot, thanks to careful maturing, stands out for its roundness, complexity and accessibility, embodying the spirit of excellence of the estate.

Aromas of the Cuvée

This cuvée is characterized by a rich and welcoming nose, where aromas of ripe red fruits such as cherry and plum dominate, enriched by notes of chocolate, vanilla and dried herbs. The oak influence is subtle, complementing the flavor profile without overshadowing the liveliness of the fruit.

Characteristics of the Cuvée

• Grape variety: Merlot
• Profile: A harmonious and attractive wine, with soft tannins and well-integrated acidity which give the wine a pleasant structure and an elegant finish. The 120 Reserva Especial Merlot is notable for its velvety texture and lingering finish.
• Aging Potential: Intended to be appreciated for its fruitiness and sweetness when young, this Merlot also has moderate aging potential, allowing for a subtle evolution of flavors and an increase in complexity over time.

Pairings with this Cuvée

Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Merlot is perfectly suited to a wide range of dishes, from light grilled meats to saucy pastas, as well as mushroom dishes and soft cheeses. Its flexibility makes it an excellent choice for various culinary 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.