Caliterra Tributo ‘Single Vineyard’ Carmenère 2020 is a wine that caught my attention during a Hatch Mansfield tasting, and it has been a pleasure to explore it further following subsequent purchase.
Produced by Caliterra Winery, a brand owned by the Mondavi/Errazuriz partnership, this wine is a fusion of modern winemaking techniques with Chile’s rich heritage.
This 2020 vintage, 13.5% ABV, from the Colchagua Valley is a blend of 90% Carmenère, 8% Shiraz, and 2% Malbec, made by winemaker Rodrigo Zamorano. The grapes are handpicked and fermented using natural yeasts, resulting in a wine that is both authentic and expressive.
On the nose, the wine greets you with spicy aromas of black pepper and dried tobacco, which immediately hint at the complexity to come. The palate is medium to full-bodied with soft tannins, offering a round and satisfying mouthfeel. The lovely smoky Carmenère character is pronounced, but there’s an intriguing layer of something more, a subtle fruitiness that reminds me slightly of Rioja. This is likely the influence of the Shiraz, which adds depth and complexity without overpowering the wine with sweetness. This additional nuance sets it apart from more straightforward, less expensive Carmenères, making it a fascinating wine to sip and savour.
I purchased for £13.10 from VINVM. It’s excellent value, offering a more sophisticated and complex experience and remains one of my picks.
