Region and Vineyards
Colchagua Valley, in Chile's Rapel zone, benefits from a Mediterranean climate with dry summers, cooling Pacific breezes, and marked diurnal swings. These conditions help late-ripening Carménère achieve phenolic maturity while retaining freshness. The valley's mosaic of foothills and river terraces fosters excellent drainage and low to moderate vine vigor, producing berries with concentrated color and flavor alongside gentle, velvety tannins.
Santa Rita sources Medalla Real Gran Reserva Carménère primarily from selected plots on granitic and colluvial soils with clay at depth, a combination that retains moisture yet drains well after rain. This interplay of granite and clay underpins the wine's dark-fruit intensity and subtle mineral line. Vineyard work favors balanced canopies and moderate yields to preserve purity of fruit and the grape's hallmark notes of spice, cocoa, and graphite.
Winemaking
The 2020 is 100% Carménère harvested at optimal ripeness to capture both varietal perfume and a supple, silk-textured palate. Fermentation is designed to emphasize fruit clarity and fine tannin extraction, followed by tailored post-ferment maceration to polish texture without excess weight.
Élevage takes place in French oak for approximately 10 months, integrating spice and cedar nuances while keeping the oak imprint discreet. The aim is harmony: a core of blackberry, blueberry, and plum framed by soft tannins, lively acidity, and a clean, persistent finish that speaks clearly of Colchagua's terroir.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep purple-red, youthful and opaque at the core.
- Aroma: Black cherry, blueberry and ripe plum layered with black pepper, clove, cocoa, tobacco and a hint of graphite.
- Palate: Medium to full-bodied with a plush, juicy center; silky tannins and fresh acidity carry dark fruit, mocha and savory spice into a long, polished, lightly toasty finish.
Did you know?
Launched in 1983, Medalla Real is one of Santa Rita's longest-standing quality ranges. The Carménère bottling highlights Chile's "rediscovered" Bordeaux variety, which found its spiritual home in Rapel after being mistaken for Merlot in France for much of the 19th-20th centuries.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Beef empanadas — savory filling meets the wine's dark fruit and gentle spice.
- Herb-crusted lamb — thyme and rosemary echo Carménère's herbal lift and soft tannins.
- Cocoa-rubbed pork shoulder — bittersweet spice resonates with mocha and tobacco notes.
- Roasted peppers & mushrooms — umami and sweetness align with the wine's plush texture and peppery finish.
