2022 Miguel Torres - Carmenere Cordillera (750ml)

The legendary Torres family of Spain represents winemaking royalty, but their decision to establish Miguel Torres Chile in 1979 secured their legacy as true global visionaries. They were the first foreign wine family to invest heavily in Chile’s untapped terroirs, introducing modern stainless steel tanks and temperature-controlled fermentations to a country primed for a fine-wine revolution. Decades later, their Cordillera de los Andes collection stands as an elite benchmark, dedicated to matching Chile’s star varieties with their absolute ideal sub-appellations.

For this highly ambitious Carménère, the winemaking team headed straight to the micro-district of Peumo in the Valle de Cachapoal—the undisputed "Grand Cru" cradle for premium Carménère. Nestled in the sheltered foothills of the coastal mountain range, these vines are deeply rooted in water-retaining clay soils that perfectly match the late-ripening variety. The nearby Cachapoal River provides a natural funnel for cool evening air, protecting the grape's bright natural freshness.

Aged meticulously for 11 to 12 months in select French oak barrels, the 2022 vintage is a gorgeous, multi-layered triumph. It captures all of Carménère’s deep, velvety fruit concentration while elevating the variety’s historic, peppery herbal signatures into an incredibly polished, noble, and complex display.

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Intense, perfumed, and brilliantly multi-dimensional. The wine pours a deeply concentrated ruby-purple color with bright violet edges. The nose immediately erupts with an expressive bouquet of ripe black plums, wild blackberries, and boysenberry preserves, beautifully layered with classic Peumo varietal top notes of freshly cracked black pepper, dark cocoa powder, roasted coffee beans, and a sophisticated, savory trace of wild thyme and eucalyptus.

• Palate: Full-bodied, velvety, and exceptionally seamless. On the first sip, it glides across the tongue with a highly concentrated, plush stream of dark stone fruits, blueberry reduction, and sweet spices. The mouthfeel is famously round, offering an underlying sense of freshness and fine-grained texture that ensures the dense fruit core never feels heavy or cloying.

• Finish: Exceptionally long, warming, and satisfyingly supple. It slides into a beautifully integrated, dry close framed by broad, silky tannins that leave a soft, powder-like grip on the palate. It leaves behind persistent, elegant nuances of sweet pipe tobacco leaf, dark chocolate, a hint of leather, and a final wave of toasted cedar wood smoke.

Wine Specifications

Serving Tip: Because this mountain-influenced Carménère carries a serious dark-fruited concentration and complex oak signatures, it 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 layers of pepper, cocoa, and sweet tobacco 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 Cordillera Carménère serves as a world-class partner at the dinner table, effortlessly cutting through rich fats, heavy spices, and savory reduction sauces:

• The Chilean Standard: Authentic beef empanadas seasoned with cumin and sweet paprika, or Pastel de Choclo (a traditional baked corn and beef casserole).

• From the Grill: Grilled skirt or flank steaks with a fresh chimichurri sauce, charred lamb chops, or gourmet burgers topped with melted blue cheese.

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

• Everyday Favorites: Wood-fired meat-lovers' pizzas, barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, or a hearty lasagna loaded with savory Italian sausage.