Tatay de Cristobal

Technical sheet

Varieties

Carmenere 90% and Petit Verdot 10%.

If Cristobal (Christopher) Colon (Columbus obviously) represents the Old World and if Tatay means «ancestor» in the Mapundungun language, then the origin of the Old World is in the New World. Only an apparent paradox since the world is round, everything flows and we are all sons and daughters of the same Earth... The roots of Tatay de Cristobal penetrate the alluvial, limestone soil rich in clay and remains of peat. It’s a mysterious wine, unique, exclusive with a strong personality and structure. An offspring from the terroir at Panquehue and one of the greatest wines from Chile.

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

7 tons per hectare.

Tasting notes

Deep glass-coating opaque purple. Abundant roasted notes and organic aromas of peated malt, liquorice, shoe polish, leather, ink, tempera paint and a slightly animal note with a core of black fruit. The texture is very velvety with voluptuous tannins, pungent, very long flavors and low-ish acidity. Layered fruit, incipient complexity and impeccable balance. A powerful big wine a strong personality.

Consultant winemaker

Stefano Gandolini