Viña Errazuriz Estate Carmenere 2023

Viña Errazuriz Estate Carmenère 2023 comes from the Aconcagua Valley in Chile, around 90 kilometres north of Santiago, where Maximiano Errázuriz planted French varieties on volcanic soils in 1870. Carmenère is a late-ripening grape that struggles in cooler regions, but the warm, dry Aconcagua climate and the long growing season let it ripen fully, softening its naturally green, peppery edge into ripe dark fruit. The volcanic soils drain well and limit vigour, concentrating the fruit. The wine spends six months in oak barrels, a measured ageing that rounds the tannins and adds a layer of spice and cocoa without smothering the variety's character. The result is a deep, full-bodied red. The colour is dense ruby with violet tints. The nose shows ripe plum and red fruit, black pepper, tobacco and dark chocolate, with the smoky, earthy signature typical of Chilean Carmenère. The palate is rich and supple, with soft tannin, ripe fruit and a savoury, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It pairs naturally with grilled red meat and slow-cooked beef.