Old Vine Carignan from Vina Maitia

Carignan is a bit of a dark horse grape - it’s not your typical go to like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. It is primarily grown in the south of France - in the Languedoc-Rousillon and Rhône regions. There are some single varietals but is mainly used as a blending grape. Vina Maitia, located in Maule Valle, Chile has produced a single varietal old vine Carignan which is not very common in Chile. Old vines means that the vines are generally older than 30 years - in this case the vines are approximately 70 years old. Old vines produce a lower yield of fruit but a higher concentration that younger vines.

David Marcel, the winemaker, strives to create a natural expression of the wine. This wine is made from organic grapes, dry farmed, minimal sulfites and natural yeasts. The grapes were hand sorted, fermented in lagares, aged in concrete to preserve the fruit characteristics of the grape. The wine couldn’t get more natural if you tried. This wine is a true expression of the terroir and characteristics of the grape.

The color is a lovely medium purple color. On the nose it has aromas of cherry, plum, blueberry, blackberry, violet and a hint of bell pepper. On the palate it’s dry, with intense flavors of ripe raspberry, nutmeg, fennel, black plum, pepper, wet stone and savory meat. This wine is medium body, tannin and acid - a very pleasant wine to drink either on it’s own, slightly chilled, or with a number of dishes.

Here is a link to my IGTV video review on Instagram Old Vine Carignan - Vina Maitia

Pair with grilled pork tacos, chicken, salmon or tuna. I made Grilled Pork Tacos with Jicama Slaw to accompany this wine which was incredible.