Viu Manent is a family-owned winery in Colchagua Valley, Chile.  Founded in 1935, it originally under the name Vinos Viu.  Seventy-some years after its inception, the winery is still run by descendants of its founders.

The grapes for this wine come from a vineyard named La Capilla, near the town of Peralillo.  It’s 100% Carménère and the wine was aged 11 months in 87% French oak and 13% American oak.

It has a powerful nose with loads of green pepper and floral notes.  There is some fruit in the nose, but it’s hard to find it under all the green pepper.  The palate is full of red fruits, plum and dark chocolate flavors.  The tannins are pretty heavy, in a good way… giving this wine a nice mouthfeel.  The acidity is nearly perfect.  A slight tar flavor comes into play on the finish.

This is a well-made Carménère, but it’s not a wine for everyone.  The “green” characteristics are pretty strong and not everyone would be a fan.  But if you like that in a Carménère, then you’ll love this one.

Wine: Viu Manent Reserva
Variety: Carménère
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol: 14.5%
Rating: 86
Price: $14.00

Find Viu Manent Reserva Carménère with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.