The New Casablanca Reds
These audacious niche wines boast a high added value. They a sort of spearhead that brings a new dimension to the valley, further reflecting the character of a pioneer that does not rest on its laurels but instead is always ready for more.
Syrah is a multi-faceted variety that has quietly adapted to the varied conditions that dominate Chilean valleys. Despite its recent introduction in the 1990’s, Syrah has developed a firm, attractive and profitable personality. Its remarkable consistency is far from the whims of Carmenère or the over-sensitiveness to high temperatures of Merlot or Cabernet sauvignon. This has allowed it to reinvent itself time and again, producing new facets and finding new market niches while delivering a wide range of examples in all price segments.
However, Syrah’s sagging value in international markets, a major consequence of the unrestrained Australian offer, has signified producers now have to look for new, more demanding and better educated palates. In Chile, the last few decades have brought, a bit shyly at first, representatives from coastal climates that have revealed a new balance between sugar and acidity, a more delicate body and notes that have abandoned jamminess and deep meaty notes in favor of a multicolored display of flowers and pepper types.
In Casablanca, the new Wine Capital of the world, Syrah was initially received with a certain dose of distrust. Why go against nature?, why not concentrate our efforts on those varieties that better adapt to the edaphic and climatic characteristics of the valley like Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot noir?, were some of the questions that could be heard a few years ago. But the critics’ favorable response, especially from the British, encouraged producers to include this variety in their portfolios. Today, not having it is like going against commercial logic, or against a prevailing trend that demands –although it still has not given anything in return– fresher and bolder reds.
Syrah, Merlot and some spots of Cabernet Franc and Malbec have begun to paint the valley red. and so much so that nowadays the presentation of the first primeurs –or Cool Climate reds– has become one of the most anticipated events of the year. A few weeks ago, the beautiful facilities of bodegas re provided
the setting for a dozen wineries to uncork their latest vintages, proving the consistency of a variety that, despite the initial doubts, has now made Casablanca its home.
Even though in Casablanca Syrah is not produced in great volumes and is currently going through a lackluster commercial phase, including it in the portfolio does strengthen the position of the valley with a more versatile and innovative personality. In addition to the efforts for producing Merlot and other red varieties that could add emotion and diversity, Syrah can occupy a place of privilege in the specialty wines category or in higher price segments. But in order for that to happen, Casablanca producers must rise to the challenge: stop selling Syrah by the cartload and start promoting Casablanca as an appellation, as a fresh and daring pioneering brand that does not rest on its laurels but instead is always ready for more.
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THE COOL SY HIGHLIGHTS
Bodegas RE Syrahnoir 2013
With 70% of Syrah sourced from El Refugio and the rest Pinot noir from El Ensueño, the grapes were co-fermented to achieve greater complexity and integration. An eccentric, floral and tremendously fresh wine of delicate yet firm structure.
Estancia El Cuadro (El Acierto) 2012
Sourced from a handful of hectares in Tapihue that suffice to re-launch this event venue with a very restrained and juicy Syrah. Slightly spicy red fruit without interferences or grandiose delusions.
Emiliana Signos de Origen Syrah 2012
Originating in the highlands of La Vinilla, this is a good example of a voluptuous wine. Its nose delivers notes of charcuterie and sweet fruit, while the palate offers a firm, muscled structure, anticipating good years of evolution.
Veramonte Reserva Merlot 2012
Merlot is a variety that must be cared for and Veramonte, after years of hard work, has finally begun to harness it. lots of ripe and eloquent red fruit together with black pepper that counterbalances its sweetness. Juicy and pleasant to drink.
Quintay Q Syrah 2012
From the beautiful slopes of Mina de agua, this Syrah stands out for
its power and delicious combination of floral and red fruit notes. A firm and concentrated wine that quite successfully expresses the potential of the granite rock soil of Casablanca.
Morandé Terrarum Merlot 2010
With its fruit produced in the belén vineyard, this Merlot is a good example of the consistency that may be achieved in the valley, and also a very good value alternative. A juicy and unpretentious wine without overripe notes.
Mancura Leyenda Gran Reserva Syrah/Cabernet Franc/Merlot 2011
An original blend that perfectly illustrates the red potential of this valley. Still marked by its time in the barrel, with aromas of coffee beans and bitter chocolate combined with expressive notes of flowers and red fruit.
House Casa del Vino Tirazis 2011
An aromatically complete Syrah featuring a remarkable fruit structure. Notes of berries and black pepper shrouded in refreshing herbal tones. A firm and juicy wine.
Loma Larga Lomas del Valle Quinteto 2012
The winery is a Casablanca red wine specialist. This blend of Cabernet franc, Syrah, Malbec, Merlot and Pinot noir is a good example of what the valley slopes can produce. A floral, light and juicy wine that does not try to hide its frontal herbal notes. Graceful and fresh on the palate.
Carmen Reserva Merlot 2011
Sourced from the San Miguel and Santa Inés vineyards, this Merlot is another example of how the variety should be managed. The notes of plum and raspberry with hints of green pepper reflect its simplicity, juiciness and freshness.
Casas del Bosque Pequeñas Producciones Syrah 2012
This Syrah from one of the cooler corners of the valley is synonymous with eloquence. Heaps of fruit power against a very elegant background. Notes of violet, blueberries and cherries, lots of pepper and some herbal tones make this Syrah a solid candidate for extended aging.
Casablanca Neblus 2011
Born in the highlands of the Santa Isabel vineyard in pure granite soil, it has developed a firm and serious personality. Fermented in barrels with whole berries, a quick swirl of the glass releases notes of smoke and expressive wild berries. A very concentrated yet graceful Syrah. A true top of the line for this variety.
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