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April
20, 2003
1999 Carmenere Reserva - Undurraga - Colchagua Valley - Chile
4 grapes
One of the best Carmenere that I have tasted from Chile! This grape, previously mistaken for Merlot and only recently re-discovered is deliciously soft with wonderful flavours of black berry with hints of smoky bacon fat, morrel mushrooms and a long and seductive finish. a wine that can be enjoyed now but with a couple of years will reward you with more things to come. Some
things to know: |
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outstanding wines from some of the finest raw material on earth - grapes nurtured in the earth and sun of these fertile valleys. The Undurragas were early pioneers in Chilean winemaking, planting French varietals before the turn on the century and using wood barrels crafted by a master French cooper to age the wines and bring forward rich bouquet and flavors. In 1903, they were first to export wines to the U.S. |
Technical Notes from the winery's website:
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The grapes were harvested in 500-kilo bins. Once they had been de-stemmed the grapes were carefully crushed.
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Fermentation took place in stainless steel vats, at temperatures ranging between 28° and 30° C. for a 7-day period. It was then placed in maceration, with skins, for an additional 10 days. 25% of the wine was stored in French oak barrels for eight months, for added structure and complexity.
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Carménère is a French Varietal, which disappeared in Europe at the end of the XIX century and was rediscovered in Chile a few years ago. This wine was made with selected Carménère grapes grown in our Colchagua Valley vineyards. After being carefully aged in oak casks, it was then bottled and stored in our cellars until it reached maturity. It has an intense ruby red colour, with an exuberant aroma. Silky fine tannins give this wine superb structure and balance. It is very versatile and is ideal with all kinds of meats and fish.
The Purple Feet Rating System: |
5 grapes = spectacular |
|
4 grapes = delicious |
3 grapes = yummy |
2 grapes = okay |
1 grape = awkward |
