Deep ruby color; cherry, blackberry, plum, blueberry, strawberry, chocolate, tobacco, cloves, flowers on the nose and palate.
Dry; firm but not obnoxious tannins, mild balancing acidity. Consider decanting. Medium body. Blend of sagrantino, primitivo, cesanese, dolcetto from fairly young vines of Italian varieties grown in Chile and planted on granite soil in the Gillmore vineyards. Manually harvested grapes fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeast. Matured in used French oak barrels for 18 months. The oak regimen softens the tannins and contributes to smooth mouthfeel rather than infusing oak spices and vanilla. 13.4% ABV
The 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. Gillmore began experimenting with Italian varieties in the 2000s; this is a product of those plantings.
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 Collezione del Maule, Valle del Loncomilla, Chile 2020 is amalgam of four Italian grape varieties grown in Chile. Exceptionally smooth, sophisticated, and delicious. Made by a small Chilean winery that is part of—helped found—the MOVI (Independent Vintner’s Movement) in Chile to market and promote such artisanal makers. Worth finding. Pair with assertive foods; lower fats beef; veal; lamb; pasta dishes; lasagne with truffles; tagliatelle al ragu; vegetable stews; beef stews; pork; rabbit. Cheese—aged, harder cheese; percorino, parmesan, manchego, cheddar. $18-20