Carigno del Maule Carignan 2020

Traditional Price €50
Member Price €28.72
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If you want to taste the real Chile, try a Carignan like this.

Old vine Carignan is Chile’s forgotten treasure. It was planted en masse in the Maule Valley in the 1940s after the devastating earthquake of 1939 - in an effort to rejuvenate the region, and bulk up the local reds.

But it was only as recently as 2010 that winemakers started rediscovering the incredible potential of these precious old vines.

If you ever visit the Maule Valley, it’s hard not to fall in love with the place. Wild, empty landscapes, a patchwork of ancient vineyards, and winding roads dotted with small cottages and shacks. It’s like going back in time.

I’m a total sucker for old vine Carignan - the bright blueberry, violets and wild herbs on the nose, the juicy and intense palate, with a freshness and drinkability which keeps you coming back for more.

I was introduced to Natalia and Maria José’s Carignan from another winemaker, Connie Schwaderer, who put on a huge tasting for me of talented, unsung Chilean producers.

It’s from a 75 year-old vineyard on gentle slopes near Cauqenes, based on granite soils and farmed with organic principles.

The old vines produce tiny amounts of fruit here - just 1 bottle per vine - but what it does produce is full of concentration and character.

I knew I wanted an old vine Carignan to introduce Irish wine drinkers to, and this one stood head and shoulders above the rest.

And it’s at a price I can scarcely believe for the quality.

If you like your classic French and Italian reds - Bordeaux, Barbera, Barolo... give this a try.

Type

Red

Grape(s)

100% Carignan

Country

Chile

Region of origin

Maule Valley

Appellation (if applicable)

Maule Valley

Vintage

2020

Alcohol %

14.50%

Oak?

Yes

Months in Oak

20

Type of Oak

French barrels 2 and 3 uses

Allergens (e.g. Milk, Egg, Fish, Nuts)

None

Average age of vines

80 years

Average altitude of vines (m)

Soil type(s)

Granite soil with a high presence of quartz, located 35 km away from the coast. 

Closure Type

Cork

Is this wine organic?

No

Biodynamic?

No

Sustainably produced?

No

Suitable for vegans?

Yes

Ageing potential

10 years

Ideal drinking window

2022-2032

They say you should never start a business with friends - well these two are besties and it’s worked out pretty well so far.

Read more about Natalia & Maria José

It is recommended to serve at no more than 16°C. Pair with lamb, red meat with strong sauces, Indian food, and strong cheeses.

We know how important it is to get your wine order quickly and efficiently. So we’ve partnered with UPS to offer next-day delivery on our wines.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • It’s free - delivery is already included in the members' price
  • It’s fast - you’ll get next-day delivery if you order before 12pm Monday-Thursday
  • It’s environmentally-friendly - all our orders are shipped carbon neutral with UPS.

We ship to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland only. €2 per case is added to all Northern Ireland orders to cover additional shipping costs. The point of sale occurs in the Republic of Ireland.

Our minimum order requirement is 6 bottles and we ship in multiples of 6’s. This can be 6 different bottles!

You may need to show your ID on delivery.

Please read our Terms & Conditions for more information.

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
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H
Hugh Flood (Limerick)
Chilean blockbuster

Powerful dense fruit in the palate, smooth tannins, very long to be savoured slowly. Probably benefit from a few more years in the bottle. Waiting to address my 2nd bottle!

Thanks Hugh this will go a few more years for sure! Cheers Eamon

B
Brian Doyle (Cork)
A surprisingly nice wine from Chile & for the price

You are correct when you said 'If you like your classic French and Italian reds - Bordeaux, Barbera, Barolo.' This is exactly what I thought when tasting this wine.
It really does have a taste of a classic old-world red.
Lots of flavour without being too strong or overpowering. One of the few wines my other half & I both enjoy equally.

S
Stevejrourke@gmail.com (Bantry)

This is quite different from anything I've drunk before from Chile. As Eamon says in his description - it's more like a decent claret. Great value as well.

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