Since early and in the way to a new vintage, I unconsciously begin to look for similarities with other years. That is cold as the year 2007, that is warmer than 2009, the spring is like…etc.
In February, when we were approaching the vintage 2010, we thought that fresh spring and a climate with minimum and maximum temperatures lower than other years can affect the maturation of the grapes. It was “logical to think that some varieties would benefit and others suffer. Obviously, we expected that Merlot and Cabernet were going to give us a good vintage. Perhaps the Carmenere strict in maturity were the most uncertain.
Before the harvest I taste the grape and I discovered that we are in a very good year. The Merlot is excellent; fresh fruit, soft and concentrated. The Syrah can adapted to different have enhanced its notes of red fruits and the acidity gives a lot of freshness and vitality. The Cabernet has deep colors and is distinguished for their softness and elegance. What about Carmenere?…big surprise, intense in color, fruity, less spicy than other years, structured, soft and with a perfect maturity between acidity and alcohol.
In each vineyard and in each wine from Maule Valley, there are many things to discover and many to learn, because it is clear … all vintages are different.