CHILEAN WINE

SANTA INES Merlot

Vintage: 1997

Wine Advisor: Aurelio Montes

Wine Makers: Adriana Cerda Marcelo Retamal

Varieties:

85% Malbec

15% Cabernet Sauvignon (Own vineyard)

Appellation: Maipo Valley

Soil: Light & sandy, with excellent drainage and medium fertility.

Analysis:

Alcohol : 12.50 vol%

Residual Sugar : 2.00 g/l

Total Acidity : 3.33 g/l

Maceration : 21 days

(Controlled Temperature)

pH : 3.54

Production:

The grapes were hand-picked at the peak of their maturity. They were then destalked, crushed, and fermented in stainless steel tanks, where the maceration took place.

Maturation: The wine was kept in stainless steel tanks.

Colour: Young, attractive and intense violet red colour.

Aroma:

Enticing aroma, characteristic of the variety. There is lots of personality on the nose; it is packed with ripe cherry, black cherry, blackberry, pepper, smoke and toffee.

Taste: Intriguing meaty, round, supple palate, with luscious long finish.

Suggestions:

Drink within 2-3 years for maximum enjoyment. Serve between 15–16ºC. Drink with paella, quiche, pasta dishes with tomato sauces, and hamburgers.

Rating / Award:

1996 vintage received "Seal of Approval" at The International Wine Challenge, London 1997.

1995 vintage received "Commendation" at The International Wine Challenge, London 1996.