CARMEN GOLD RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1999
Varietal Content : 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Geographical area : Maipo valley
Alcohol Content : 14.7% Vol.
Total Acidity : 3.36 g/l
Sugar : g/l
pH : 3.89
Suggested retail price: $65.00
Harvest and Production
The grapes were hand-harvested in April 1999, from a small block of 42
year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in
the Maipo Valley. The grapes were transported to the winery and carefully
selected prior to crushing. Fermentation took place in stainless steel
tanks with a total maceration period of 27 days. The skins were gently
pressed and malolactic fermentation took place naturally, 80% in tanks and
20% in barrels. The wine was blended and then aged in new French oak
barriques for 17 months, then aged in the bottle for a period of 12 months
before being released.
Winemaker Comments
The wine shows a full deep ruby color with intense and complex aromas of red
fruits, berries, cassis and strawberries with some tobacco nuances and a
smoky character. On the palate the wine exhibits ripe round, tannins,
full-bodied, beautiful structure and a long finish. It has good personality
that is expressive of the terroir of the Andes foothills in
the MaipoValley.
Wine and Food
Serve with lamb cutlets, venison, richly flavored roasts like wild boar or
mutton, game birds, rich pâtes, pork tenderlion, steak au poivre, and
cheeses such as blue cheese, Brie, Edam, Port-Salut, gruyère
and cheddar.
CARMEN WINEMAKER'S RESERVE RED 1999
Geographical Area : Maipo Valley
Varietal Content : 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
20% Grande Vidure (Carmènere)
10% Petite Syrah, 10% Syrah, 10% Merlot
Alcohol Content : 14.4 %Vol
Total Acidity : 3.43 g/l
pH : 3.86
Suggested retail price: $40.00
Harvest and Production
The grapes come from estate vineyards located in the Maipo Valley, known for
its hot summer days and cool nights, an ideal climate for this variety. They
were hand harvested and selected before crushing. Fermentation took place in
stainless steel tanks at 28ºC with a total maceration period of 25 days.
Malolactic fermentation took place naturally in tanks and barriques. The
wine was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels and for one year in
bottles, prior to its release.
Winemaker Comments
The wine shows a full-bodied and intense red color, with concentrated aromas
of red fruits, plums, plenty of red and blackberries, cassis and chocolate
with tobacco nuances and a spicy complexity. On the palate the wine has
concentrated ripe and soft tannins, good character and a long persistence.
This wine is ready to drink now but it can be kept for one year.
Wine and Food
Serve with roasted and blackened red meats, barbecued ribs or chicken, game
birds, rabbit, Italian food and mature cheese.
CARMEN RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2001
Varietal Content : 100% Chardonnay
Geographical Area : Maipo Valley
Alcohol Content : 14.0 % Vol.
Total Acidity : 4.0 g/l
Sugar : 2.7 g/l
pH : 3.3 g/l
Suggested retail price: $12.99
Harvest and Production
Eighty percent of the grapes were hand-harvested in March, 2001 from 17
year-old vines grown on estate vineyards at the foothills of the Andes
mountains in the Maipo Valley. The remaining twenty percent of the grapes
are from estate parcels in the Casablanca Valley. The grapes were selected
and crushed, and left in contact with the skins for six hours at 8ºC. Some
of the juice (30 %) was fermented in French and American oak barriques,
while the remaining 70% was fermented directly in stainless steel tanks. The
wine remained on its fine lees for a period of seven months. The blending
and bottling of this reserve Chardonnay took place in October,
2001.
Winemaker Comments
The wine shows a brilliant yellow-greenish color with intense fruity aromas
of citrus, banana and melons. On the palate the wine exhibits good balance
with fruity flavors, good volume and a lingering finish.
Wine and Food
Goes well with pork chops, smoked ham, roasted duck, goose, fish terrine,
quail, grilled salmon, richly sauced lobster, pasta with cream sauce, oyster
stew, roasted pimentos.
CARMEN WINE MAKER'S RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2001
Geographical Area : Casablanca Valley
Varietal Content : 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol Content : % Vol.
Total acidity : 4.34 g/l
Sugar : g/l
pH : 3.39
Suggested retail price: $40.00
Harvest and Production
Made from 100 % Chardonnay grapes, harvested from nine year-old estate
vineyards in the Casablanca Valley which is recognized for its ideal growing
conditions for this variety. Its climate, cool weather with mist in the
mornings and warmer temperatures after the mid-day, is a result of its
particular proximity to the sea. The grapes were pressed immediately, the
juice was allowed to ferment in French oak barriques and remained on the
lees for eight months. After blending, the wine was stabilized, then aged
for an additional eight months in bottles.
Winemaker Comments
This wine shows a brilliant yellow color. It ahs an elegant clean nose,
with intense fruity aromas of ripe, tropical fruits, melons, pears,
pineapple and hazelnut, and a toasty complexity. The French oak barrels have
given this soft and elegant wine complexity. It is well assembled with
flavors of honey, vanilla, caramel and coconut. On the palate the wine is
fresh, dense, rich and creamy with great balance and a fine
finish.
Wine and Food
Served chilled, this wine is ideal with spicy foods, grilled chicken, quail,
roasted duck, goose, grilled salmon, albacore, Chilean sea bass, oysters,
shrimp or richly sauced lobster, pork chops, smoked ham, sautéed vegetables,
and cheeses like Brie or Emmenthaler and fruits such as apples, peaches and
nectarines.
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