2017 COOL CLIMATE SYRAH, EQ, Matetic. San Antonio, Chile

San Antonio is one of Chile’s newer, cooler wine regions. It’s close (about 20 miles) to the coast, just south of the more famous Casablanca Valley. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay can thrive in the long-growing season made possible by the cooling influence of the Humboldt current.
This comes from the sub-region of the Rosario Valley, from a vineyard cultivated according to biodynamic principles.

100% Syrah, given a long (10 day) cold maceration before fermentation; and then maturation in French oak barrels for 20 months.

The Matetic family first arrived in Chile, from Croatia, in the late 19th century. They planted vineyards 100 years later, their first vintage being 2001.

Despite the quite high alcohol, very much in the style of northern Rhône Syrah (Crozes Hermitage or St Joseph) rather than new world Shiraz. And the few years’ bottle age have added extra savoury complexity.
This is fresh, modern, lively Syrah with a silky mid-palate; exceptionally food-friendly.