2019 Now finished: CINSAULT/PAIS, Morande. Maule, Chile

Maule is a region well south of Santiago benefitting, like most of Chile, form guaranteed sunshine throughout the growing season, but cooled by both the proximity to the South Pacific and the influence of the Andes to the east.
The grapes all come from the La Constancia vineyard in ‘Secano Interior’ where there are a number of old dry-farmed, bush vines producing wine with real intensity (Pais in particular tends to be ultra-light).

75% Cinsault, 25% Pais. 25% of the total was fermented as whole bunches (carbonic maceration); all with native yeasts. Matured for 10 months, half in old oak and half in concrete eggs.

Morandé is a large family-owned winery, founded in 1996. They have always been innovators – the first to plant vines in Casablanca Valley; one of the first to revive interest in old vines in the heartlands of Maule and Itata; and to promote lesser-known varietals found there, like Carignan and Cinsault; early experimenters in high density vineyards and the use of larger oak barrels and concrete eggs; the first winery in Chile to be certified as fully ‘sustainable’.

Modern style of Chilean red – the accent is on savoury complexity in a light to medium frame; very different to the fruity, simple styles that this country has specialised in for many years.

“Graceful, restrained and elegant aromas of red and dark forest fruits as well as delicate floral notes. Lovely sweep of juicy fruit and fine tannins with a persistent and delicious finish”. Decanter Magazine, September 2022.