Deep ruby color; black cherry, blackberry, plum, blackcurrant, raspberry, licorice, bell pepper, oak, chocolate, spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; relatively tame, polished tannin, improves with air exposure; balancing acidity. Medium-plus body. Chilean take on Bordeaux blend: 45% cabernet sauvignon, 40% cabernet franc, 15% carménère. The cab delivers tannins, structure, and blackcurrant. The cab franc brings herbaceous note, raspberry, dark color and black fruits. Carménère tames the tannin and helps roundness. 14% ABV
Grapes came from the Maipo Valley. The cab and cab franc come from Maipo Alto Jahuel vineyards, the carménère from the Apalta Valley. Don Domingo Fernández Concha established the winery in the Maipo Valley in 1880. Inspired by French winemaking, he imported French grapes and hired French winemakers. The winery is located in Alto Jauel, about 25 miles south of Santiago. It is one of Chile’s oldest and most prestigious wineries. In the late 20th century, the Claro Group, led by Ricardo Claro Valdés, purchased the winery and elevated it to an international brand that includes vineyards across Chile and Argentina.
The winery embraces modern technology and sustainable practices. It was the first winery to certified under the Wines of Chile Sustainability Code, which covers viticulture, estate facilities, community impact, and tourism practices. Viña Santa Rita is an important Chilean tourist attraction with a 100-acre park, the Andean museum, and dining at the historic Doña Paula Restaurant.
The estate also has archeological significance. Tombs discovered at the winery date back to the Llolleo people around 500 AD. They were known for distinctive pottery and agricultural practices. The Inca arrived about 1400 AD and incorporated the region in the expansive Qhapaq Ñan (Andean road system). The Inca established a way station on the grounds occupied by the estate today.
Viña Santa Rita Triple C Estate Bottled Red Wine, Maipo Valley, Chile 2020 reflects the strong French winemaking influence of Viña Santa Rita from its beginning in 1880. The Chilean take on a Bordeaux blend is rich and full expression of dark fruits while remaining smooth and approachable. Viña Santa Rita is one of the oldest and most notable wineries in Chile. Pair with beef—grilled, roasted, braised, slow-cooked barbecue; hearty stews; veal; pasta dishes with tomato sauces; wild game—venison, wild turkey; roasted vegetables; charcuterie board with pâtés and cured meats. Cheese—aged cheddar, aged gouda, manchego, aged pecorino; comté, gorgonzola. $40-49
