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- Alistair Cooper, MW
European Wine Consultant & Writer for jancisrobsin.com
I have spent many years both living in and visiting Chile, and things have come so incredibly far in the two decades that I have known the country’s wine industry. Suffice to say that I truly believe it to be one of the most dynamic producers in the world right now. One of the key factors has been the tireless amount of work that producers and viticulturists have done on soil analysis and terroir, through which they have gained a much deeper understanding of the growing environment and its importance.
We are very pleased to now be working with Bodegas Volcanes, a winery entirely dedicated to producing wines on volcanic soils (there are 2,000 volcanoes in Chile. 500 of which are potentially active!) throughout different regions of Chile. Much has been written recently about the effects of volcanic soils on wines - for me it is all about a piercing freshness, salinity and minerality that they transfer to the wines. They produce wines that are so utterly lipsmacking and deliciously drinkable, and we believe that they show wonderful expression of place as well as offering superb value for money:
Carmenere has become somewhat of a speciality for Chile, where it lay lost and hidden in the vineyards for well over a century having arrived from Bordeaux (where it has almost totally disappeared) in the mid 19 th century. Called Chilean Merlot for many years, it wasn’t until 1994 that it was officially identified and vinified separately and with the care and attention it deserves.
Carmenere can produce soft and juicy wines with velvety tannins, vibrant dark fruit flavours and often with a real herbal and spiciness. Move over Malbec – Carmenere is coming.
BODEGA VOLCANES DE CHILE CARMENERE 2018
"A vibrant nose brimming with pastille fruit, earthy notes and freshly ground coffee. A voluptuous palate with rounded fruit and silky soft tannins. This is so juicy and has violet notes with a hint of damp tobacco and spice on the finish. The ultimate wine for bbq or roast lamb!"
- Alistair Cooper, MW
European Wine Consultant & Writer for jancisrobsin.com
