100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo D.O., Chilé. Organic, Biodynamic, Spontaneous Fermentation, Native Yeast.

ABOUT: Damien’s vineyards are located between Talagente and Isla de Maine in the heart of Maipo. He owns 4 hectares of densely planted, wire-trained vineyards established in 2008 and cultivated organically from the outset although they were only able to afford certification two years ago. The drip-irrigated vineyards are situated at ~400 m elevations with soils of clay and limestone with stones from nearby Maipo river 80-90 cm deep. The soil is gently worked 3-4 times per year and they work without any sprays, even copper or sulfur. Damien’s fruit is supplemented with a network of smaller vineyards 10 kilometers away that he helps supervise.

VINIFICATION: The Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested by hand into small bins and de-stemmed into predominantly steel vats with 10% going into concrete eggs and egg shaped, American-made polyethylene eggs (Flextank) for spontaneous fermentation. Pressed slightly earlier than the ‘Corrupto’ or ‘Clandestino,’ the Reserva gets about 10 days skin maceration. Damien’s grapes and the sourced grapes are fermented and aged separately and married in the Spring. Lightly filtered with sulfite added to arrive at about 30 ppm before bottling.

TASTING NOTES: Med. Body Dry red wine. Aromas of Blackberry Pie & Cassis fruit over hints of Herbs, Bell Pepper, Black Pepper. The wine has soft, medium minus Tannins & Acidity. The palate is dry with Cassis, Wild Blackberries, Black Pepper, Earth, Herbs & Volcanic Minerality. Med. finish. The wine drinks well now, and will age for 2-3 years. 

FOOD PAIRING: Steak, Burgers, Pot Roast, Lamb, Game, Hearty Stews, Grilled Veg.