Carmenere

Technical sheet

Varieties

Carmenere 85% and Cabernet Sauvignon 15%.

The Carmenere grape, a variety originally from Bordeaux, has survived miraculously for more than a century in Chile. In the Aconcagua Valley it thrives and attains its maximum organoleptic expression benefitting from long autumn months with no rain.

In Panquehue, our Carmenere grows on the granitic soil of the siopes of a hill and attains a high degree of complexity and delicacy: it’s the wine that Bacchus would carry in this satchel...

Denomination of Origin

Panquehue, Aconcagua Valley, Chile. This is a very small sub-appellation of the Aconcagua Valley in Chile and one of the most exclusive and prestigious areas in Chile for the production of red Bordeaux varieties.

Terroir

Climate: Panquehue is located between two mountain ranges, Andes Mountains and Coastal Range. It’s very close to the Aconcagua river, which helps to moderate the temperature.

This is a dry mediterranean climate with 320 days of clear sky. Very low humidity during the ripening season (> 20%) and cool night temperature (> 15%). Refreshing breeze during the afternoons.

Soil: Deep sedimentary soil; rich in organic material with low density and high porosity and high water retention perfect for Carmenere, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. On the slopes, poor soil and rocky, specially suited to Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vineyard

High planting density (5500 vines per hectare), planted in 1998. Vertical shoot system drip irrigation.

Yield

9.9 tons per hectare.

Tasting notes

It has a well-defined bouquet with lifted black fruit and very attractive roasted pepper, licorice and a touch of smoke flavors. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth and silky texture, well-balanced with chocolate-covered red fruit and black pepper. Nice and seductive finish.

Consultant winemaker

Stefano Gandolini