Pedro Parra Monk Itata Valley 2018
Pedro Parra y Familia is a pioneering winery in Chile's Itata Valley, founded by renowned terroir expert Pedro Parra. With a background in precision agriculture and soil science, Parra applies his expertise to produce wines that authentically express the region's unique terroir. The 2018 Monk Cinsault is sourced from a single vineyard in Guarilihue, situated approximately 300 metres above sea level. The vineyard features old, dry-farmed bush vines planted on granite clay soils. Cultivated using ecological principles, the vineyard avoids chemical inputs, aligning with sustainable and organic practices.
The 2018 Monk Cinsault is crafted using traditional methods to preserve the purity of the fruit. The grapes undergo fermentation with native yeasts in cement tanks with 30% of the fermentation occurring with whole bunches. The wine is aged for 12 months in old, untoasted foudres, allowing for subtle integration of oak and maintaining the wine's fresh character. The resulting wine offers aromas of ripe red and black fruit, complemented by notes of wild herbs and a mineral backbone. On the palate, it is light, fresh, and well-structured, with fine tannins and vibrant acidity. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty stews or mature cheeses.
