Viu Manent : Loma Blanca Single Vineyard Carménére 2018

The richness and balance of a Central Valley Chilean red wine by Viu Manent

The estate

Originating from Catalonia, the Viu Manent family settled in Chile and created a wine trading company in 1935, under the name of Miguel Viu-García and his two sons Agustín and Miguel.

Miguel Viu Manent purchased the San Carlos de Cunaco estate in 1966, situated in the Colchagua Valley, marking the start of a new chapter in the family's history. The completion of major restructuring work on the estate enabled the Viu Manent family to produce fine Chilean wines year after year. Bursting with flavour, refined and aromatic, the wines from the Viu Manent estate enhance the richness of the Central Valley's exceptional terroirs in over 30 countries.

The vineyard

Viu Manent watches over a 325-hectare terroir spread over 3 vineyards.

The wine

Viu Manent's Loma Blanca Single Vineyard Carménére 2018 comprises grapes from the El Olivar vineyard, located in the Peralillo region within the Colchagua Valley area. The vines are 15 years old on average and rest on a sloping terroir with granite soils, providing an excellent drainage.

The vintage

Although the cold and rainy weather conditions during spring delayed the need for irrigation until November, it nevertheless impacted and delayed the start of the bud burst and flowering stages by several weeks. Although bud burst was even, the high humidity led to a slow and late ripening period. The month of January, with its average temperatures, preceded the months of March and April during which the milder temperatures favoured the ripening of the grapes. Harvested at the end of April, a few days later than usual, the grapes combine a crisp acidity with freshness, bursting fruit and an intense colour.

The vinification and ageing

Only the ripe and perfectly healthy grapes are harvested and hand-sorted before being destemmed and crushed. Cold pre-fermentation maceration (8-10°C) for 6 days to optimise the extraction of both colour and aromas. Alcoholic fermentation in steel tanks with 4 short pump-overs per day. Post-fermentation maceration for one week. Malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, as well as 16 months of ageing (20% new barrels, 80% second fill barrels).

The blend

This Loma Blanca Single Vineyard 2018 by Viu Manent is a 100% Carménère.

The tasting

Colour

This wine is a beautiful violet colour.

Nose

The nose harmoniously blends fruity fragrances (cherry, raspberry, blueberry) with notes of vanilla and light tobacco.

Palate

Round and structured, this wine seduces the palate with its balance and its rich and persistent finish.

Storage

Enjoy this wine today, this Chilean wine can be kept in the cellar until 2026, enabling it to reveal its full aromatic range.