From: Maipo, Chile
Blend: 85% Carmenere, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Taste: This Carmenere is picked in their vineyards in Almahue, Rapel, which has steep scree slopes covered in volcanic material both on the surface and below. The wine offers a pleasant mix of ripe berry fruits, a hint of dark chocolate, notes of herbs, tobacco, olives and white-pepper spice. On the palate it is silky smooth, medium bodied, and the berry fruit flavors are soft but enduring.
Pairing: This is a great wine for any occasion, but matches particularly well with barbecue and everyday Italian cuisine. Other ideas include pairing this alongside with casserole dishes, red meat, stews, lamb, and sausages. Also, it goes perfect with typical Chilean preparations such as corn dishes (pastel de choclo (see below for recipe), and humitas), porotos granados (beans) and empanadas.
Pastel de Choclo (Beef and Corn Casserole)
By Ham El-Waylly
About. There is no shortage of volcanoes in Chile (over 2,000 in fact, 500 of which are active!) and it is the unique geology of this seismically active country that has inspired the Volcanes de Chile range — hunting down interesting volcanic terroirs around the country.
Winemaker Pilar Diaz works with vineyards in six different wine regions to explore the diversity of volcanic wines in Chile while seeking fresh and energetic expressions of each place.
Bodega Volcanes de Chile, owned by Viña Undurraga, gives away its concept in the name – searching for volcanic soils and vineyards of Chile. While the winery is in Maipo, grapes are sourced from vineyards in Malleco, Maule, Maipo, Cachapoal and Leyda.
Bodega Volcanes de Chile makes some interesting red blends (including Mediterranean varieties) and a favorite of theirs is the Chardonnay from Malleco.
The winery is certified as sustainable according to the Sustainability Code from Wines of Chile.
