Maturana Puente Austral Reserva Privada Carmenère 2022 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Carmenère from Chile that made its debut at the LCBO as part of last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on February 15th.

Like the 2021 Puente Austral Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon I enjoyed last year, this red wine is produced by Maturana Winery, a family-owned winery that was established by the two Maturana two brothers - José Ignacio and Sebastian. After the great earthquake in Chile in 2010, the brothers decided that there was no time to waste to start their great passion for viticulture and wine. Since that time, Maturana has produced unique wines which represent a way of life, including how to sustainably keep intact the conditions from which their grapes come from.

Maturana's philosophy is to capture the identity of each variety and specific place, and allow each to be expressed in the wine. In order to achieve the best expression of each variety and place, Maturana uses innovative approaches to fermentation and ageing by using different materials such as concrete in different sizes and shapes, clay jars, or French oak. Maturana welcomes differentiation and looks at doing different things as an opportunity. Furthermore, the brothers support the natural and responsible management of vineyards, which benefits the growers and their families. For example, Maturana pays their growers more than 7 times the market average for the price per kilo of grapes. Moreover, Maturana believes in the concept of horizontal growth, whereby the grower of heritage vineyards, the grape processor, and the international marketing of wines all grow together. Maturana also has a strong commitment to making known old vineyards and native strains of varieties that exist in central Chile, with some of these vineyards dating back to the year 1900.

Passion and quality are the main drivers at Maturana. The brothers are passionate about doing, selling, knowing, and creating something new, while also identifying with the phrase by Walt Disney "Dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them." Their mission is to produce the best quality wines, with the image, name, and communication method all playing a role and contributing to their concept of creating something unique. In order to produce the best quality wines, their search for the best terroir leads them to winegrowers who share their passion for preserving the soil and growing quality grapes.

In 2022, the growing season in Chile started out well with decent rainfall during winter, which offered relief from the prolonged drought. However, another drought period hit in spring, which stressed some of the vines and reduced some yields. Beyond those challenges, the climate offered moderate temperatures with good diurnal range, leading to a vintage comparable to the stellar 2018 vintage. In Colchagua, it was somewhat cooler, which resulted in concentrated and fresh reds. Let's see how this 2022 Carmenère from Chile is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MATURANA PUENTE AUSTRAL RESERVA PRIVADA CARMENÈRE 2022 - Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#42113) (XD) - $14.95
Aged in third use French oak barrels for 6 months, this 100% Carmenère has a fragrant, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that is ripe and spicy with red plum, cassis, currant, and black cherry aromas with earthy and herbaceous undertones. The ripe, rounded, and medium-full bodied palate is dry with plummy, black cherry, currant, cassis, spice, and earthy replays. It has crisp acids, while the tannins are smooth and rounded with a fine, dusty texture. Mildly grippy on the back palate, while savoury earth and touches of plum and cherry notes linger on the crisp finish, with good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines by Maturana Winery can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.