Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Carmenere

The largest of the fine wine areas of Chile, the Rapel valley features a wide range of climatic conditions and soil types. It runs east to west, being the Cachapoal River, its constant geographical feature. Wines from these appellations have fruit from two areas: Los Lingues, closer to the Andes Range, and Pichidegua, closer to the Coastal Range. While the first one is influenced by the cool currents that descend from the mountain peaks, the second gets the influx of the river, and results in high differences between night and day temperatures. One provides structure, typicity, fruit and concentration to the blend while the other offers elegance and complexity. Harvested by hand, the grapes that entered this wine underwent double selection before initiating the fermentation process, which followed the traditional method, with select yeasts and controlled temperature in stainless steel vats. After completing the alcoholic fermentation, the wine was kept in contact with the skins for a few days to enhance its complexity and balance. Once malolactic fermentation was completed, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels where it aged for 15 months. After bottling, the wine was cellared for 6 months before it is released to the market. With a deep and dark garnet red color, this Carmenère presents blackberry and black cherry aromas, complemented by subtle hints of herbs and roasted peppers. The palate has a silky texture with delicate tannins and a delightful dark fruit profile of blueberry and cherry. Spicy notes of cardamom linger in its pleasant finish.