Casas Del Bosque Gran Reserva Carmenere 2023
“The 2023 Carmenere Gran Reserva, originates from Peumo in the Cachapoal Valley. It aged for 10 months, with 40% in American oak barrels (half new), 35% in used French oak barrels and the remaining portion in steel tanks. This purple-hued wine reveals aromas of ash and roasted red bell pepper with a subtly toasty and deep blackberry layer. Indulgent, rich and warm on the pallet, it offers a creamy texture and lingers with notes of ripe fruit. This is a finely crafted Carmenere.”
91 points – Vinous (Joaquin Hidalgo)
“This is an enjoyable fruit-forward Carménère that starts with aromatic notes of blueberries and hints of wood spices. Flavors of black and red fruit merge over a silky mouthfeel.”
90 points – Wine Enthusiast
Carménère originates from the Bordeaux region of France. However, Chile is currently the main producer of this grape variety worldwide. We harvested the variety during the first fortnight of April, seeking a balance between the herbaceous compounds typical of the variety and its fruity notes.
The grapes come from Almahue, in the commune of Peumo, which has traditionally been recognized for the quality of its Carménère. We started developing this wine in 2017, and we are very happy with the results we have been getting. It is a fresh wine with a great structure, with aromas of forest fruits, tobacco, some vanilla and cedar notes.
Upon arrival to the winery, the grapes were destemmed and pressed into stainless still tanks, while also inoculated with selected yeasts. After that they were co inoculated with selected lactic bacteria in order to finish malolactic fermentation. The wine was left to macerate for seven more days for added structure and longevity. After that it is uncovered and pressed, separating different pressed fractions according to quality. During its ten-month ageing process, the wine stays in 10% new American oak barrels, 10% second use French oak barrels, 25% in up to fifth use barrels, 30% in concrete tanks, and 25% in stainless steel. It is then assembled, filtered and bottled, with total production reaching 2,300 cases.
