Villalobos Carignan Reserva, The Wild Vineyard 2018

Country: Chile

Region: Colchagua Valley 

Grape: Carignan

Volume: 75cl

ABV: 12%

Vintage: 2018

Suitable for Vegans: Yes

Food pairing: Great with a North African spiced beef and apricot casserole, cassoulet or ox tongue with lentils and salsa verde.

The Villalobos family estate is located close to the village of Ranguili in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. The region is noted for its dry summer days and cooler nights. 

The Wild Vineyard consists essentially of Carignan vines planted during the 1940’s and 50’s and the vines have been allowed to grow wild, free from any chemical intervention. As a result native Chilean flora such as rose bushes, pine trees and blackberry bushes thrive amongst the vines. All processes connected with the vineyard are biodynamic: The soil is ploughed by horse and only natural ’tisanes’ are used to keep the weeds under control. 

Grapes are hand-harvested, only gravity is used in the cellar and the wine is neither fined nor filtered. Aged slowly in old French oak barrels, this stunning Carignan is smooth and rich but limited in production so grab a bottle while you can!

A medium ruby-red in colour. Fragrant aromas of plums, mint and chocolate. On the palate, lush and elegant with a firm, ripe texture and excellent acidity. The tannins are soft and the finish is dry but lengthy.