Top 100 red wines of South - Page 3
Discover the top 100 best red wines of South as well as the best winemakers in the region. Explore the varietals of the red wines that are popular of South and the best vintages to taste in this region.
Discovering the wine region of South
Malleco Valley is a Southern wine-growing region in Chile, some 540 kilometers (340 miles) south of the capital, Central-valley/maipo-valley/santiago">Santiago, in the Malleco province. The region is particularly challenging to Grape growers because of its marginal Climate, high rainfall and Short growing season, but the crisp, fresh wines produced here from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. are beginning to attract international attention.
The wine industry in Malleco Valley is still in its embryonic stages, and there is less than 40 hectares (100 acres) under Vine here.
Most vineyards lie around the town of Traiguén, just south of the Bío Bío Valley; a large portion of these belong to the Viña Aquitania wine estate of Maipo Valley.
The cold climate here approaches the extreme of what is suitable for winemaking, and the relatively short growing season limits what varieties growers are able to Plant in Malleco Valley. The high rainfall – 1300 millimeters (51 inches) a year – is a far cry from the semi-arid Cabernet Sauvignon heartlands in the North of Chile such as Aconcagua or the warmer, drier parts of the Central Valley region, and growers must plan accordingly.
On the positive side vineyards enjoy more hours of sunlight than in more northerly regions, and the nights are considerably cooler than the days.
This diurnal temperature variation slows the ripening period of the grapes, and as a result the wines of Malleco Valley have a fresh, racy Acidity that complements their Varietal character.
Malleco Valley's red clay and sandy soils are volcanic in origin and are reasonably well drained – essential, given the area's high levels of rainfall. The lack of water held in the ground means that the vines have to work harder for hydration, and as a consequence will develop less energy-sapping foliage and lower yields of grapes. The wines produced from these grapes have more-concentrated flavors and excellent structure.
Discover the grape variety: Carmenère
Carménère is a grape variety of Bordeaux origin. It is the result of a cross between Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet. In France, it occupies only about ten hectares, but it is also grown in Chile, Peru, the Andes, California, Italy and Argentina. The leaves of the carmenere are shiny and revolute. Its berries are round and medium-sized. Carménère is susceptible to grey rot, especially in wet autumn. It can also be exposed to the risk of climatic coulure, which is why it is important to grow it on poor soil and in warm areas. Carménère is associated with an average second ripening period. This variety has only one approved clone, 1059. It can be vinified with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It produces a rich, highly coloured wine, which acquires character when combined with other grape varieties.
Food and wine pairing with a red wine of South
red wines from the region of South go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or veal such as recipes of spaghetti with beef balls, mouse of lamb with thyme or white wine fondue.
News from the vineyard of South
Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres 2020: report and top-scoring wines
Some Rasteau 2020s lack substance this year, but it’s a vintage that has played into the hands of those estates who favour elegance over power. Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for the top-scoring Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres 2020 wines {"content":"PHA+JiM4MjE2O0lmIHlvdSB3YW50IHRvIG1ha2Ugd2luZXMgd2l0aCBmaW5lc3NlLCBpdCB3YXMgYSBnb29kIHllYXIsJiM4MjE3OyBzYXlzIE1pa2FlbCBCb3V0aW4uPC9wPgo8cD48ZGl2IGNsYXNzPSJhZC1jb250YWluZXIgYWQtY29udGFpbmVyLS1tb2JpbGUiPjxkaXYgaWQ9InBvc3Qt ...
Romantic restaurants for wine lovers on Valentine’s Day
While some people prefer to avoid restaurants altogether on Valentine’s Day, for others it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a romantic evening out. For wine lovers, finding venues with a great selection of bottles is an added bonus. Whether you’re after prestige Bordeaux and classic vintages or interesting and quirky bottles from less well-known producers, the selection below gives you plenty of options. We also tell you what to expect from the wine list in each venue. From Michel ...
Redbreast Dream Cask
The fifth of Redbreast’s Dream Cask offerings, released to mark World Whisky Day tomorrow (Saturday 21st May), is a 30-year-old single pot still whiskey produced by Irish Distillers at its Midleton Distillery in Co Cork. Unlike previous single-cask releases, this year’s Dream Cask combines two casks chosen as their favourites from Midleton’s vast inventory by master blender Billy Leighton and blender Dave McCabe. Leighton’s cask is a first-fill Oloroso Sherry butt filled in May 1990, while McCab ...