Indómita Old Vines Dry Farmed Gran Reserva Carignan 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Carignan from Chile. It is new to the LCBO and arrived on shelves across Ontario last weekend as part of the January 23, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Viña Indómita, a relatively young winery located on a hillside in Casablanca with a gorgeous view of the valley, 64 km northwest of Santiago and just 18 km from the Pacific Ocean. They have 100 hectares of vineyards planted on clay soils that are rich in minerals. The climate in this area is fresh with high diurnal temperature variation.

Sustainability is an integral part of Viña Indómita. In addition to organic production, they also manage waste treatment, generate renewable energy, and use lightweight bottles to reduce carbon emissions. They also help protect local forests, flora and fauna, and native species. Viña Indómita also socially responsible by supporting local individuals and businesses by promoting economic activities in the areas of wine production, tourism and gastronomy.

The grape for this wine come from Maule Valley, Chile's oldest wine region, on land that has been worked for nearly 5 centuries. Maule Valley is filled with small farmers that have rustic customs and age-old cultivation techniques that have been passed down to the next generation. The grapes are de-stemmed and crush, followed by fermentation in tanks. A portion of this wine is aged in barrels for almost 1 year, while the rest remains in tank.

Looking back on my notes, I see that I liked every single Indómita wine that I tasted previously and would expect this Carignan to be just as enjoyable. Let's see how this red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

INDÓMITA OLD VINES DRY FARMED GRAN RESERVA CARIGNAN 2018 - DO Maule Valley, Chile (#16627) (XD) - $17.95
A blend of 95% Carignan and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium-high intensity nose is ripe with a mix of red and black fruits like raspberry, cherry, and blackberry nuanced with rustic, earthy, and dried spice aromas. It's medium+ bodied on the palate with juicy, sour acidity to support the very saline, red and black berry fruit, and charcuterie flavours surrounding the savoury core. Slightly dusty tannins are subtly textured and well-integrated. Nicely balanced throughout with pleasing earthy, savoury notes lingering on the long finish. Another winner from Indómita! Score: 90 pts

While no other wines from Viña Indómita are currently available at the LCBO, they can be ordered via their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.