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Winery
Weon
Varietal: Carignan
Although nowadays most commonly associated with the wines of southern France – particularly Languedoc – and Sicily, the Carignan grape varietal was once an important indigenous Spanish grape, and was used in the production of early Rioja wines. Today, the grape is found in many different countries, and is most commonly used in blended wines, where its strong tannins and astringent nature can boost other, weaker bodied varietals to produce superbly balanced blends. Carignan grows in hot and dry conditions, and is particularly susceptible to rot and mildew, making it quite a challenging grape to cultivate. However, given careful treatment, the Carignan grape is capable of producing sumptuous single variety wines, packed full of interesting earthy flavors quite unlike other red wine grapes.
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 considering the rich and fertile central valleys of Chile, where we find most of the oldest, grandest and established wineries, it is difficult to imagine a more suited landscape for vineyard cultivation and wine production. Mineral rich soils, eight months of sunshine per year, oceanic winds and clear water running down the mountainsides – it is little wonder that the imported Old World grapes do so well here. Chile is renowned world-wide for producing highly drinkable wines, packed full of fruit-forward character and enjoyed young and fresh, as well as being home to more complex wines reminiscent of many Old World varieties. Whilst the Cabernet Sauvignon is widely regarded as being Chile's 'flagship' grape varietal, equally fine produce comes from Chardonnay grapes (indeed, the Sol de Sol Chardonnays are widely agreed to be amongst the New World's finest white wines) the plummy Merlot and silky, intense Pinot Noir.