From: Casablanca, Chile
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste: On the nose, it offers a tantalizing burst of fresh strawberries and cherries, layered with subtle hints of French oak. The palate is harmonious and lifted, echoing the nose with a bright, juicy medley of red fruits. An undercurrent of granitic minerality runs through the wine, reinforcing its sense of place. The finish is velvety smooth and enduring, rounding out an enjoyable tasting experience.
Pairing: The Prisma Pinot Noir 2022 is a versatile wine that pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes. Its fresh fruit flavors and smooth finish complement poultry, particularly roasted duck or turkey (see below for recipe). For seafood lovers, it would be a delightful match with salmon or tuna. Its bright acidity and very subtle oakiness can balance out richer, cream-based dishes as well, such as veal with a mushroom and cream sauce. For a vegetarian pairing, try it with risotto or a veggie empanada/potato and cheese pierogi.
Turkey Pie With Potatoes, Squash, Chard and CheddarBy David Tanis
About. Deep in the heart of Chile's wine country, nestled between mountains and a mere stone's throw away from the cool Pacific Ocean, lies the Casablanca Valley. Its unique terroir, marked by a confluence of granite and clay soils, cool climate, and persistent fog, has attracted attention from global wine connoisseurs. Among the numerous wines crafted in this region, one particular offering has been garnering well-deserved acclaim: the Prisma Pinot Noir 2022.
Crafted by renowned winemaker Ricardo Baettig, this wine is a testament to the valley's vinous capabilities. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the Prisma is a beautiful blend of four clones, meticulously grown in the 14-acre Fundo Belén vineyard. This vineyard, planted in 2004 at an altitude of 600 feet, forms a part of the Lo Ovalle subregion and has been managed using sustainable farming practices.
The 2022 vintage captures the quintessential qualities of the varietal and the unique conditions of the Casablanca Valley. Hand-harvested grapes are subjected to cold maceration in stainless steel and fermentation in oak, a technique that gently extracts the fruits' inherent flavors and aromas. Post-fermentation, the wine is aged for eight months in multiple size French oak barrels, lending an underlying hint of oak to its flavor profile.
Prisma Pinot Noir 2022 captivates the senses with its vibrant, red fruit notes of strawberry and cherry. Its aromatic complexity and freshness, undoubtedly a consequence of the cool, coastal microclimate and the granitic soils of the valley, make it a standout in its category. The lifted mid-palate smoothly transitions into a velvety finish, making every sip a delightful experience.
The Casablanca Valley, though a relatively recent addition to Chile's wine scene, has proven its mettle in producing stellar wines. The region's white wines, particularly those made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, have long been celebrated for their crispness and complexity. However, it's the Pinot Noir, with its affinity for cooler climates, that has found a special home in this valley. And the Prisma Pinot Noir 2022 is a shining example of the region's potential.
Ricardo Baettig's efforts in blending three different clones from multiple blocks of a single hillside vineyard manifest beautifully in this wine. The Prisma bottlings, both the vineyard and the winery, are certified sustainable, reflecting the commitment to nurture the terroir that gives these wines their unique character.
Limited to 12,000 12-pack cases, the Prisma Pinot Noir 2022 is as exclusive as it is exquisite. With an alcohol content of 13.50%, it presents a wonderful balance of intensity and drinkability. It's a compelling testament to the Casablanca Valley's burgeoning reputation as a producer of world-class Pinot Noir.
The Casablanca Valley continues to challenge and overcome its climatic and geological hurdles, proving that it can excel beyond red wines. The Prisma Pinot Noir 2022, a symbol of the region's unwavering commitment to quality, offers a perfect harmony of the classic typicity and remarkable value. It's a vibrant and fresh reminder of the extraordinary wines that Chile's coastal valleys can produce.
