Viu Manent, Single Vineyard Malbec 2012, San Carlos Estate, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Tasting Note: If you’ve had malbec from South America it’s likely been from Argentina which is why you’ll be curious to taste this Chilean malbec.

While Chile and Argentina share a border they have distinct climates thanks to the Andes Mountains. This medium-boded malbec from Viu Manent is intensely purple in color bordering on black.

The rich fruit I have come to expect and savor in Argentinean malbecs is absent and in its place lies a reserved and tempered serving of black plum and cherry fruit. Understated tannin provides structure and enough acidity leading one to conclude this wine could benefit from 1-2 years of further aging.

Like me, you’ll probably be left wanting to try more examples of Chilean malbec to develop your South American malbec tasting skill.

Bottle Note: Made from the best sectors of Blocks 5 and 6 of our San Carlos Estate in Cunaco, Colchagua. This limited edition wine began in the ancient vineyard planted more than 100 years ago on deep and extraordinarily porous soil with tremendous root development and excellent drainage. The Malbec from this terroir is abundant in fruit expression, elegance and complexity. The grapes were hand picked and the wine aged in French oak barrels for 16 months. Bottling: December 18, 2013. Production: 51,425 bottles. 100% Malbec.