Merlot Reserva
Merlot

2021 Reserva

Vineyard
  • Valley: Curicó Valley (Entre Cordillera)
  • Soil: Alluvial in origin. Clay loam with the presence of stones at 80cm. Fertile soils allow the vines to express all their vegetative and fruit potential.
  • Altitude: 243m above sea level.
  • Weather: 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.
  • Annual rainfall: 600mm average during winter, mostly between June and August.

The vineyards at Viña Echeverría are located in the Curicó Valley, at the 35th parallel south, and the rows are planted in an east-westerly direction to potentiate the sun’s exposure. We work with a model of micro viticulture, which means that each plot, no more than half a hectare, is identified according to its terroir and microclimate and planted, pruned, irrigated and harvested accordingly, resulting in grapes of optimum quality and flavor.

Vintage & Harvest

Blend: Merlot, with 5% Carménère grapes to add rich fruit characteristics
Harvest:

  • March 28th, 2021.
  • Hand picked in 18 kg. boxes and carried to the estate winery immediately after cutting.
  • Carefully selected before processing.

 

Winemaking

Vinification:

  • Fermented in 15.000 and 25.000 liter stainless steel tanks for 7-10 days at 25-28ºC controlled temperature to dryness with selected and native yeasts (80/20).
  • 100% malolactic fermentation.
  • Aged in 225 liter French used barrels for about 4-5 months.
  • Stored in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks through bottling.

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
Intense aromas of autumn berry fruits combine nicely with notes of black pepper and dried fruits. An easy-drinking and juicy wine that persists on the fruity finish.
Food Pairings
Pairs well with charcuterie, roasted vegetables. Tomato based Italian dishes. Meat casseroles and roast chicken. Lightly spiced ethnic dishes.