Reserva Especial

2006 Rapel Valley Carmenere

The Santa Monica Reserva Especial is a captivating 2006 red Carmenere hailing from the renowned Rapel Valley, a region celebrated for its exceptional winegrowing conditions. This wine showcases a full-bodied character with a robust structure that appeals to lovers of rich flavors. Its acidity is bright and lively, beautifully balancing the fruit intensity that presents itself prominently with dark berries and hints of spice. The tannins offer a firm yet refined texture, adding depth and complexity. With its dry profile, this Carmenere is a delightful choice that invites pairing with hearty dishes, embodying the essence of the Rapel Valley's unique terroir.

Tasting notes:

Blackberry

Plum

Black Pepper

Flavor profile:

Acidity Low

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Tannin Medium

Low Pronounced

Pairs well with:

Roasted Duck, Grilled Meats, Roasted Lamb

Region:

Rapel Valley

Chile's Rapel Valley DO is actually made up of two smaller valleys; Cachapoal and Colchagua. Cachapoal is the warmer of the two, located further inland, entirely cut off from Pacific Ocean breezes and storms by the peaks of the Chilean Coastal Range. This area is well-known for old vine Carménère, which ripens best on the sun-drenched valley floors and foothills of the Andes Mountains. Colchagua lies southwest of its sister valley with warm vineyards and greater exposure to sea breezes, making it an idyllic home to Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The Rapel Valley focuses primarily on red wine production, famous for full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Carménère, with bold fruit flavors alongside signature herbal and earthy characteristics. Chile’s Denominación de Origen (DO) classification system focuses on separating wines by the physical location of origin. To use the DO classification on a label, a producer must have pulled 85 percent of the fruit used in a wine from a defined regional location. The DO system names wine regions in the country from north to south.

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