wine spotlight: viu manent estate collection – carmenere reserva 2015

VIU MANENT ESTATE COLLECTION — CARMENERE RESERVA (Vintage 2015, Red)

Country: Chile Region: Colchagua Valley Grapes: Carmenere, Malbec, Syrah

Viu Manent was founded in 1935 by the Catalonian immigrant Miguel Viu-Garcia and his two sons, Agustin and Miguel. In 1966 Miguel fulfilled his long-time dream of making his own wines, with the acquisition of the Hacienda San Carlos de Cunaco in Colchagua. This traditional estate included 150 hectares of vineyards planted to noble, pre-phylloxera vines, as well as a winery and manor house. Today he makes his wines with grapes from the family’s own vineyards. The winery’s 627 acres are divided among vineyards in San Carlos, La Capilla and El Olivar. The cherry red Carmenere Reserva wine, one of this month’s selections, is a recipe of 90% Carmenere, 6% Malbec and 4% Syrah. The fruit comes from their Estate vineyards, with an average vineyard age of 15 years. The fruity nose features aromas of ripe red fruits, blackberries, plums, sweet spices and pepper. The palate is medium bodied with the silky well-balanced tannins leading to a fresh, pleasing finish. Enjoy it now, or cellar properly through 2020. Serve at room temperature with rich pasta, roasts and aged cheeses.

CARMENERE Grapes

An archival curiosity until the early 1990’s, it was re-discovered. Winemakers found many Chilean vines they had called Merlot were actually Carmenere! Carmenere lovers appreciate the low tannins and big, bright, blackberry fruit flavors.

MALBEC Grapes

This red is traditionally used in blends to enhance both color and tannin. Notably grown in Mediterranean regions, but successfully grown elsewhere. With a thick skin rich in color pigments, small amounts of Malbec are traditionally used to balance the acidity of blends, offering not only intense color, but rich red fruit and vanilla flavors as well.

SYRAH Grapes

Blessed with aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, the Syrah grape makes a nectar that’s big, rich and tannic — a virtual fruit showcase in a bottle.

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