2022 Escudo Rojo (Rothschild) - Carmenere Valle de Colchagua Gran Reserva (750ml)

In 1999, the legendary Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A. (the visionaries behind the iconic First Growth Château Mouton Rothschild) expanded their winemaking empire into Chile’s pristine Central Valley. They created Escudo Rojo—a name that stands as the literal Spanish translation of the family’s historic moniker, "Rote Schild" (Red Shield). The collection seamlessly marries meticulous, old-world Bordeaux blending precision with the vibrant, sun-drenched terroir of South America.

While Carménère was originally a staple blending grape in Bordeaux before the devastating phylloxera plague of the 19th century, it has found its true spiritual home in Chile. The fruit for this Gran Reserva is sourced from hand-selected, sustainably farmed parcels within the prized Valle de Colchagua—a warm, Mediterranean-style basin universally recognized as Chile's premier grand-cru district for robust red varieties.

To tame the grape's natural exuberance and craft an ultra-premium profile, the winemaking team aged the juice for 12 months in seasoned French oak barrels. The 2022 vintage is an absolute triumph of varietal typicity, completely side-stepping the aggressive, green-bell-pepper herbal notes that plague lesser Carménères, delivering a plush, dark-fruited, and wonderfully silky experience.

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Powerful, exotic, and wonderfully multi-dimensional. The wine pours a dense, completely opaque ruby-purple color with brilliant violet edges. The nose immediately opens with an intense bouquet of black cherry preserves, ripe wild blackberries, and fresh plum pudding, beautifully layered with classic varietal top notes of freshly cracked black pepper, roasted coffee beans, dark cocoa powder, and a faint, sweet hint of vanilla bean and cedar wood smoke.

• Palate: Full-bodied, velvety, and exceptionally smooth. On the first sip, it flows across the tongue with a highly concentrated, succulent core of macerated blueberries and dark stone fruits. The mouthfeel is famously round and voluptuous, carrying an underlying touch of dried mint leaves and sweet spices that give the mid-palate a beautiful sense of complexity and freshness.

• Finish: Exceptionally long, warming, and satisfyingly supple. Carménère is naturally lower in aggressive tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, and this Gran Reserva tapers into a focused close framed by broad, silky, and fully integrated tannins that leave a soft, powder-like grip. It leaves behind lingering nuances of exotic baking spices, sweet pipe tobacco, and a final, savory whisper of espresso.

Wine Specifications

Serving Tip: This is a bold, intensely aromatic red wine that loves a little room to breathe. Give it about 30 minutes of air in a decanter or a wide-bowled Bordeaux glass before serving to allow the oak spice, dark cocoa, and complex herbal undertones to fully harmonize. Serve slightly cool at a proper cellar temperature of 60–64°F.

Best Food Pairings

Thanks to its lush fruit profile, soft tannins, and distinctly peppery, herbal undertones, this Carménère is an absolute superstar at the dinner table, pairing naturally with heavily spiced meats, savory sauces, and grilled dishes:

• The Chilean Match: Authentic beef empanadas seasoned with cumin and paprika, or Pastel de Choclo (a savory corn and meat casserole).

• From the Grill: Grilled skirt steaks with a peppery chimichurri sauce, wood-fired lamb chops, or gourmet burgers topped with melted blue cheese.

• Spiced & Rich Comforts: Slow-braised beef short ribs over a rich mushroom polenta, venison stews, or roasted duck breast with a blackberry reduction.

• Everyday Favorites: Barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, wood-fired meat lovers' pizzas, or a rich lasagna loaded with savory Italian sausage.