Syrah / Carmenère
2018 Gran Reserva
Vineyard
- Valley: Central Valley (Entre Cordilleras). From a selection of different valleys in the central region, including Curicó, Maule and Colchagua.
- Climatic conditions: Mediterranean with a long, dry summer season and intense sunlight. Marked DTR (Diurnal Temperature Range, or difference between day and night temperatures), key for assisting the development of flavors.
Vintage & Harvest
Blend:: 60% Syrah / 40% Carmenère grapes, from ungrafted selected clones of pre- phylloxera French rootstock.
Harvest:
- Syrah: April 24th, 2018.
- Carmenère: May 5th, 2018.
- 100% hand-picked in 18 Kg. boxes and carried to the winery immediately after cutting.
- Carefully selected before processing.
Winemaking
Vinification:
- Fermented to dryness in 25.000 liter stainless steel tanks for 10 days at 25-28ºC controlled temperature with selected yeasts
- Extended skin maceration for additional 6-8 days
- 100% malolactic fermentation
- Aged in 225 liter French and American oak barrels between 10 and 12 months
Roberto Echeverría Jr has been the Chief Winemaker at Viña Echeverría since 2001. Inspired by his French heritage, Roberto’s signature style produces wines with a combination of Old World elegance and New World energy. More European viticultural techniques include timely harvesting to avoid over ripeness and therefore good balance and control of alcohol levels. Focus is on French varietals, barrels and yeasts, as well as longer fermentation and aging in barrels, and diverse blending.
Tasting Notes
With gentle tannins, this flavoursome Carmenère combines intense aromas of raspberries and cherries with ripe red bell pepper and hints of black pepper. Smooth and velvety, it is well balanced, with spice and berry fruit mirrored on the palate.
Food Pairings
Drinks well with grilled lamb and mild ethnic dishes. This unusual blend combines fruity, spicy Carmenère with rich and elegant Syrah, making this a very versatile wine to pair food with. We find that this wine combines well with a large variety of foods, including many herby or spicy cuisines, as well as a whole host of meat dishes, including lamb, rabbit and wild boar. Try it also with roasted vegetables, mushrooms or eggplant.