Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Carmenere 2017
- Decanter
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Suckling
James
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
This wine has an expressive, complex, fresh aroma characterized by spicy notes such as clove and pepper, as well as subtle vegetal notes such as red pepper. These aromas are apparent due to the fact that the vineyards are situated very close to the river, with its cool waters, and also due to the summer afternoons, whereby fresh breezes travel up through the valley from the pacific ocean to the Andes mountain range.This wine stands out for its unique red ruby color and black fruit aromas; in mouth it is well rounded and rich in flavors, where the figs notes and wild fruits, together with delicate spices aromas, are in perfect harmony. For this reason, on the palate the wine is round, smooth, full-bodied, and with ripe tannins. Black fruit aromas are present, such as blackcurrant, blackberry and plum. Flavorsome, balanced and with good persistence.
The wine goes well with pastas and cream sauces, legumes, lamb and even fuller flavored fishes such as Salmon or Artic Char.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Elegant, sleek, ripe dark fruit and a hint of wood smoke. It’s seductive and youthful, a chocolate and cassis delight. There’s pleasant fruit concentration with blueberry pie and spice. Cool and well made. There’s lots of wine here. Drinking Window 2019 - 2021
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James Suckling
The ripe blackberry fruit is bold enough to master this rather supple, widescreen red, then the surprisingly lively acidity lifts the long finish very nicely.
Other Vintages
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Robert
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James
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James - Decanter
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James
Since Viña Tarapacá was founded in 1874 by Don Francisco de Rojas y Salamanca at the foothills of the Andes mountain range, it has crafted elegant, quality wines, becoming one of the most traditional and historical Chilean wineries, as well as a benchmark for viticulture in Chile and over 50 countries.
Viña Tarapacá has achieved important and consistent acknowledgements since 1876 due to its winemaking heritage and experience in pursuit of quality and excellence.
Being part of VSPT Wine Group, it has a strong sense of environmental friendliness, adhering to the highest international quality standards and certifications. VSPT became Green Company of the Year in the 2016 Green Awards -the competition’s maximum prize- as well as being recognized as leader in Renewable Energy Implementation, thanks to its firm commitment to sustainability.
Dark, full-bodied and herbaceous with a spicy kick, Carménère found great success with its move to Chile in the mid-19th century. However, the variety went a bit undercover until 1994 when many plantings previously thought to be Merlot, were profiled as Carménère. Somm Secret— Carménère is both a progeny and a great-grandchild of the similarly flavored Cabernet Franc.
The Maipo Valley is Chile’s most famous wine region. Set in the country’s Central Valley, it is warm and quite dry, often necessitating the use of irrigation. Alluvial soils predominate but are supplemented with loam and clay.
The climate in Maipo is best-suited for ripe, full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon (the region’s most widely planted grape), Merlot, Syrah and Carmenère, a Bordeaux variety that has found a successful home in Chile.
White wines are also produced with great prosperity, especially near the cooler coast, include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.