Tabali Pedegroso Merlot

Established in 2002, Tabalí is a pioneer and iconic winery situated in Limarí, 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 Limarí 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.

Tabalí 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 Müller was name '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.

Tabalí also has the honour of stewardship of the Limarí 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 Tabalí 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.

Merlot,

From the Espinal vineyard, on the coastal side of the Limarí Valley. Just 24km from the sea, this arid plain has clay on the surface giving way to alluvial soil underneath. This soil is very stony with veins of limestone. resulting in concentrated wines with a distinctive minerality and freshness.

After reaching optimal phenolic ripeness, the fruit is harvested by hand then carefully selected, first as whole bunches then again once destemmed. The must is fermented in stainless steel tanks, with maceration post-fermentation. The wine is then aged for 10 months in French oak barrels prior to bottling.

Classically-framed Merlot packed with dark fruits and spice.

Concentrated Merlot with rich dark fruit and mocha notes. The palate has crunchy red cherry and plum fruit with fine grain tannins. It’s fine and elegant with a long, moreish finish.

Try with lamb asado, peppered steak or Cajun spiced dishes.