This is the third of three Behind the Cork™ features highlighting Chilean wines that collectively underline Chile’s historic commitment to sustainable wine growing. Their focus on sustainability includes environmental, social, and economic.
The first posting included a Cabernet Franc and a Cabernet Sauvignon. The second posting featured a red blend and a Carmenere.
Here are two more excellent examples of high-quality, affordable and sustainable wines coming from Chile.
2019 Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva ($20)
Farmed since 1874 in Isla de Maipo, Chile’s traditional vinous heart, this estate is known for its diversity of soils that enable it to successfully grow an array of grapes. This five-grape variety wine (31% Cabernet Franc, 26% Syrah, 22% Carmenere, 11% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) are organically grown. It spent 12 months aging in American and French oak. It has upfront notes of wild herbs, flowers, ripe black fruit along with subtle vegetal notes from the Cabernet Franc and lavender and violet notes from the Merlot.
Sustainability Pillar: Planting more than 11,000 native trees and shrubs to restore the natural environmental balance and reconnect the biological corridors between the Altos de Cantillana mountains and the River Maipo through the estate’s 5,000 acres of vineyards.
2019 Viu Mament Secreto de Viu Manent Malbec ($15)
Family-owned since 1935, Colchagua Valley-based Viu Manent is one of the most respected wineries in Chile. The family has fun with the line of “Secreto” wines – a stated grape variety with a “secret blend” (15%) of other grapes. The Malbec grapes come from 19 year-old vines. Fresh and fruity, the final blend offers a mix of red berries and violets on the palate.
Sustainability Pillar: Installation of four solar plants that generate 460 kilowatts at peak, implementation of a biodiversity protection program as Central Chile is home to more than 50% of the various species of floral and vertebrates in the country, and recycling (such as using old barrels in promotions or by local artists).
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Creative Palate Communications