The Elqui Valley is set at the southern edge of the Atacama Desert and is one of Chile’s northernmost wine producing regions. Its crystal-clear skies attract some of the world’s most important observatories and create unique opportunities for winegrowing as well. New vineyards have expanded beyond its riverbanks and high up into the mountains in recent years, painting the otherwise dry region with a lush green stripe. Syrah is the leading red grape and Sauvignon Blanc among whites.
The grapes are from the Titón Vineyard 18 kms from the Pacific Ocean and at 350 metres of attitude.
Aroma: Virtually pulsating with black fruit or deep and booming if you like. Beneath the blueberry, black cherry and cassis a bright shining light of raspberry sends its beam piercing through the wine adding a seductive peek a boo to the wine.
Palate: Tannins are in the high moderate level. A full-bodied wine indeed. Peppery with a bit of a chalky finish. Black cherry rules. A very long finish.
Personality: I am a willful and forceful wine with just a bit of softness on the nose with that mischievous streak of raspberry.
Food match: A Portuguese francesinha sandwich or perhaps some Tuscan wild boar stew!
Cellarbility: Will peak in 2025 but could possibly cruise into 2027.
Price: $22.95 (Ontario).
In a nutshell: BMOC (Big Man on Campus) yet that raspberry on the nose saves him from being a frat brat.
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 89/100. 2021 World Wine Awards 95.
(Falerina Titón Single Vineyard Reserva Syrah 2017, D.O, Valle de Elqui, Viña Falerina, Vicuña, Chile, 750 mL, 14.5% Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 27198.)
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