Vina von Siebenthal Gran Reserva Carmenere 2019

Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. Swiss lawyer Mauro von Siebenthal fell in love with the Aconcagua Valley in Chile on a trip to the country in the 1990s, and in 2009 he moved permanently to the country to pursue his dream of making wine full-time. He purchased an elegant colonial era country house which is today the headquarters of the winery as well as the surrounding land which he planted with Bordeaux varietals. This easy-going Carmenere is made with Chile’s flagship grape which has now been completely forgotten in its native Bordeaux. The grapes for this Gran Reserva come from estate vineyards on the Orocoipo hill where the granitic soils and long summer days offer excellent growing conditions for the variety. The Carmenere is blended with a small amount of Cabernet in the winery and then aged in oak barrels for 12 months before bottling. Luscious red cherry, plums and wild berry notes define the nose while the first sip reveals a medium body, smooth tannins and a soft, well-rounded texture. The finish is long and seasoned with hints of spice, toasted oak and woodsmoke from the oak ageing. Pair with charcuterie, mature cheeses, tomato-based pasta dishes or earthy game like venison and partridge.

Price: £16.99 from 8wines UK