Viu Manent Secreto Sauvignon Blanc 2013
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Secreto Sauvignon Blanc is produced from fruit sourced from the cooler Casablanca valley, since where they are located (Colchagua) is too warm for white grapes. The fruit grows in two vineyards in Las Dichas region on granite and quartz soils, and in Pitama, closer to the sea, both in the westernmost and cooler zone within Casablanca. The wine was fermented in stainless steel without malolactic. 2013 was a very cold vintage and produced a very fresh, aromatic wine (and also high yields), but the grapes ripened properly as they harvested very late. With herbaceous notes, great acidity and tension as well as a very lively palate, the great intensity of flavors are pure and clean, quite Sancerre-like, with a mineral, salty finish. A great Sauvignon at a very attractive price, this white is very drinkable but should have an interesting evolution in bottle. Drink now-2017.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
A region that has become synonymous with some of the best whites of Chile, the Casablanca Valley is full of dozens of bodegas who either grow fruit here or come from outside to source from local growers for their own white wine programs. The valley runs from east to west, which means that its westernmost vineyards receive the most cooling influence from the reliable afternoon sea breezes. The soils also tend to be heavier in clay in the west, whereas the eastern end of the valley is warmer and its soils are predominantly granitic. Sauvignon blanc thrives here, Chardonnay does well and Pinot noir is not uncommon.