Tabali Micas Peumo Carmenere

Established in 2002, Tabali­ is a pioneer and iconic winery situated in Limari­, on the edge of the Atacama Desert in one of the northernmost vineyard regions of Chile. They were one of the first wineries to settle in Limari and their wines faithfully reflect their place of origin in which climate and soils play a fundamental role, and bring out the potential of each of their vineyards.

After years of geological research, Tabali is the only winery that produces wines that cross Chile from east to west in the same valley (D.O.), from their incredibly high and remote site of Roca Madre (second highest vineyard in Chile) in the Andes Mountains' Rio Hurtado area down to their cool climate, 'Camanchaca' fog blanked vineyards by the Pacific Ocean. In their quest for the perfection, they now also have a site in the renowned Cabernet and Merlot region of Maipo Valley. The result is a range of truly distinctive wines with elegance, restraint and minerality which the dynamic team of Felipe Muller (winemaker) and Hector Rojas (viticulturalist) have attributed to their cabinet full of the wine world's most prestigious trophies.

In 2014, Felipe Muller was named 'Chilean Young Winemaker of the Year' and acclaimed for his ability to understand Tabali´s distinctive terroir and use it to create remarkable wines, unique to Chile. Tabali also has the honour of stewardship of the Limari Valley's most significant archaeological sites, the mystical Valle del Encanto (Enchanted Valley) which borders their vineyards. A sacred site of the ancient Molle and Diaguita culture, the many rock drawings and carved Tacita stones depict an ancient way of life. The Tabali mask logo has been taken from one of these rock carvings, which can only be seen at certain times of day when the sun's alignment makes them magically appear.

Viña Tabalí are currently working towards Sustainable Wines of Chile. This certification is a transparent and independent process, which is based on biannual audits carried out by certifying companies registered in the "registry of certifiers of the Sustainability Code". The requirements of the Code are framed in a long-term vision, based on the combination of environmental principles, social equity and economic viability.

Carmenere,

The Mediterranean climate and the northerly exposure of the vineyard, which receives more hours of sunshine in the summer, mean that the grapes’ physiological and phenolic ripening coincide perfectly at the time of harvesting. This vineyard was planted in 1950, so the vines are now naturally balanced. We therefore have low yields and very concentrated fruit, which result in superbly balanced, high-quality wines.

The grapes were hand-harvested into 20kg-boxes at the optimum moment of physiological and phenological ripeness, which occurred in the last week of April. Once at the cellar, the clusters were carefully selected and, following destemming, the individual grapes were selected once more. Next the grapes were put into small stainless steel tanks, where they underwent a cold maceration for seven days to aid with colour extraction. Then the fermentation took place, with temperature control being ensured throughout. After fermentation, the wine remained in contact with the skins for a further 15 days to make it more rounded in the mouth. It was then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.

An elegant and intense Carmenère from the Micas vineyard, Peumo, Cachapoal. The vineyard is over 70 years old and regarded as one of the best in Chile for Carmenère.

Intense, deep red colour with violet hues. Very complex and elegant nose, with notes of all spice, green pepper and plenty of black currant fruit. Full bodied with smooth tannins and a delicious acidity that is in perfect balance with the concentration of fruit and French oak. The finish is long, characterful, elegant and very persistent.

Great with slow cooked hearty stews and grilled red meats or a warm and crispy empanada.