Espinos y Cardos, Los Espinos Merlot Reserva, Central Valley, Chile, 2021

Producer Profile

Between the mountains and the sea, Espinos y Cardos looks to craft subtle, pure expressions of classic international varieties from their two ranges.

Focused on vineyards in Casablanca and Curico, Los Espinos combines cutting edge winemaking with regional typicity to provide a range that is at the beating heart of the country. Santa Macarena is a testament to the individuality and intrigue that so many Chilean wine drinkers are yet to discover. Amazing fruit, grown in theSan Antonio region 5km from the ocean, so close you can smell it, crafted into a unique expression of the enigmatic Pinot Noir that clearly demonstrates the real quality that lives in this land.

Viticulture

From selected vineyard sites across Chile's Central Valley. The cooling influences of the Andes and the Humboldt current together with the diurnal temperature difference here allows for slow ripening so that the grapes develop maximum flavour.

Winemaking

Cold maceration at 10°C for 4 days. Classic alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 28-30°C to preserve aromas and flavour.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

This is simply outstanding wine for the money, soft super-juicy ripe plummy fruit and a long full-flavoured finish. This easy-drinking wine comes from Chile's renowned Valle Central region, where long hot days are followed by cool nights. This temperature difference ensures the grapes ripen slowly, so they develop maximum flavour.

Food Matching

Sourdough pizza, aubergine melts, cold meats.