Deep ruby color; plum, cranberry, raspberry, black cherry, blackcurrant, integrated oak, earth, bay leaf, sage, mint on the nose and palate.
Dry; firm, chewy tannins and juicy, excellent balancing acidity (3.43 pH). Medium-plus body. Nicely extended and layered finish. Wine is 100% carignan grapes from estate vines 50-60 years old in the dry coastal area of the Loncomilla Valley, Chile. Fermented in stainless steel with three pump overs a day, followed by two weeks of maceration. Finished in neutral French oak for 18 months with three rackings. Bottled unfiltered to preserve character. 14.6% ABV
VIGNO (Vignadores de Carignan) is a cooperative movement among Chilean wineries to promote and preserve old vine carignan in the Maule region. The name is a mutation of the Spanish term for winegrower—viñadores—with the “g” from carignan inserted. The movement organized in 2011 following the devastating earthquake of 2010 to celebrate what Chileans consider an underappreciated viticultural treasure of old vine, some older than 70 years, carignan.
Vigno wines have strict standards: they must be dry farmed, the vines must be at least 35 years old, carignan must make up at least 65% of the wine, any blending grapes must come from the Maule Valley, and the wine must be aged at least two years before release. Finally, Vigno branding must take precedence over individual winery branding, demonstrating a collective commitment to promoting the region and the grape variety.
The Gillmore winery was founded in 1990 by Francisco Gilmore in a century-old winery and vineyard he acquired in San Javier de Loncomilla, in Maule. The original buildings remain, as do vines more than 60 years old. Today, the winery produces higher end wines. Andrés Sánchez and his wife Daniela Gillmore oversee production. Vines are dry farmed.
Viña Gillmore is among the founding members of MOVI (Independent Vintner’s Movement) in Chile. The Gillmore operation is relatively small, thus their work to establish MOVI in 2009. MOVI serves as a platform for small-scale, artisanal winemakers to work together to purchase, market, and promote their wines on an international scale. The movement strives to challenge the misconception that the Chilean wine industry lacks personality and diversity.
Gillmore Vigno Old Vines Carignan Dry Farmed, Maule Valley, Chile 2015 makes the case that carignan and Chile can make world-class wines at amazing QPR. Originally a Spanish grape, Carignan typically is considered a “workhorse” blending grape for darker color, acidity, and tannins. Chilean producers show it can work very well as a varietal, particularly from old vines that can deliver great complexity and character.
Pairing—what grows together, goes together. Consider pastel de choclo, a traditional Chilean meat and corn casserole; empanadas de pino combines savory beef, onions, olives, hard-boiled egg; charquicán, Chilean beef stew with tomatoes, pumpkin, and corn. Also, herb-crusted lamb chops; grilled beef and beef stews; duck confit; quail or pheasant; turkey with cranberry sauce; grilled salmon, tuna steaks; grilled portobello mushrooms, eggplant parmesan. Cheese—aged Spanish manchego, pedorino romano, gruyère, St. Nectaire, aged cheddar, gouda; strong blue cheeses, Spanish le peral, roquefort. $35-40
