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Winery
O. Fournier
Varietal: Carignan
Carignan is a blue-skinned grape thought to have originally been grown in Spain, but which is now more commonly associated with southern France and various other countries, including Algeria and the island of Sardinia. They used to be blended with other Spanish varietals for the production of Rioja wines, although their inclusion today is rare. An ancient grape varietal, Carignan is often seen as quite a challenge for wineries to grow. Not only does it have an extremely sensitive nature, and is often highly susceptible to rot, but the grapes themselves have a high natural acid and tannin content, which can often be too astringent for modern tastes. However, given the correct care and treatment, Carignan grapes can produce wonderful single variety and blended wines, packed full of interesting characteristics and flavors which are fascinating to explore.
Region: Valle Central
Chile's Valle Central has to be one of the oldest 'New World' wine regions on earth, with a viticultural history which stretches all the way back to the 16th century, and the time of the first European settlers in South America. This long stretch of valleys and mountains, which extends between Maipo and Maule, has grown to become one of the most prodigious and productive wine regions on the continent, with a reputation for big, flavourful and characterful wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Carmenere all flourish in various part of Valle Central, and the many micro-climates which characterize the region allow wineries to experiment and innovate with their crops. Today, the Chilean wine industry is stronger than ever, and quality has for the first time overtaken quantity as a priority, making it something of a golden age for the country's wine producers.
Country: Chile
When the wealthy new landowners of the 19th century began planting large vineyards in the fertile central valleys of Chile, they must have been impressed at how successful the imported Old World grape varietals took to the land. However, such a fact is hardly surprising; with eight months of blazing sunshine coupled with oceanic winds from the west, and crystal clear spring waters from the Andes irrigating the soil, grapes such as Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon were given everything they needed to flourish, and more. As the centuries passed, Chilean wineries continued to expand and experiment, resulting in a wide range of wine production methods and techniques, and consistently producing fine quality wines perfect for the international market. Nowadays, Chile is renowned for producing a wide variety of crisp white wines, and juicy, fruity reds enjoyed around the world for their drinkability and flavorful character, making this country very much one of the 'New World', albeit one with a fascinating link to the Old.