Community Review

Santa Carolina Specialties Carignan 2013

Cauquenes Valley, Maule Valley, Chile

Community Score: 4.5/5
Community Reviews: 7

Price: $18.95

Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 15%

Drink: 2017-2021

Bottle size: 750 ml
Winery: Santa Carolina

Greg Hughes rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

This wine comes from two growers in the Cauquenes subregion of the Maule Valley. These vines are close to 100 years old and they have root systems reaching so far into the water table that they do not require irrigation. These very special vines produce less fruit, but what is produced is concentrated and delicious. They age this wine for around a year on large format barrels (300-400L). Unsurprisingly to those of us familiar with Carignan, they hold it back and cellar it so it can mellow a bit first.
A nice crimson colour - not particularly dark.
The aromas have some lovely leather, strawberry, peaches (yes peaches), cherry, and incense.
The flavours are unique and elegant. This is not a bruiser Chilean wine. It is supposed to showcase a unique grape that was once a lynchpin to the industry in the early 20th century. It takes a back seat to Carmenere and a myriad of others, but Santa Carolina has made something conversation-worthy here. Yum!
Pair it with veggie burgers made with onion and pinto bean.

Read Natalie's Full Review

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

SAVE MY SEAT!

Wine of the Week

As featured on

Pongráz Sparkling Wine
Cap Classique Rosé,
Western Cape W.O. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 327,157 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources. learn more

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 327,157 strong:

Community Review