Review: Secreto De Viu Manent Malbec

When thinking of Malbec, many people think of Argentina, given the fact that so much Malbec is produced there it has almost become synonymous with Argentine wine. But Argentina isn’t the only country where good Malbec is produced. Just to the west of Argentina, in Chile, they are also producing some tasty Malbec. In today’s review, I have an example of one.

Varietal labeled wines, for example those labeled as Malbec, are not necessarily 100% made from that grape variety. In the United States, by law, varietal wines need to be produced with at least 75% of the designated variety. The remaining 25% can be whatever grapes the winemaker chooses. In some wine producing regions even further regulations are imposed, requiring 85% or even 95% of the designated variety.

Regardless of the exact percentage, it’s not uncommon to have a little bit of other grapes in a varietal wine. Usually you can find what those other grapes are, either on the bottle or in a tech sheet from the winery. But in the case of Secreto, the winemakers at Viu Manent decided to have a little fun. The name Secreto is Spanish for “Secret.” The secret they are referencing is what those other grapes are. They do tell us that 85% of the wine comes from Malbec, but the other 15% is a secret.

If I were to guess what the secret 15% includes, I might guess Carménère is at least part of what’s in it based on some of the aromatics from this wine. But that is nothing more than a guess — I have no actual knowledge regarding the secret.

Sustainability at Viu Manent

As often is the case when I write about Chilean wines, sustainability is a core tenet to how Viu Manent operates. Just a few examples of this are:

• Solar energy: They have four solar plants on their estate that generate 460 kilowatts at peak.
• Biodiversity: In support of the “Wine, Climate Change & Biodiversity Program,” an initiative by the University Austral of Chile’s Ecology & Biodiversity Institute, Viu Manent educates their team on biodiversity and have implemented a number of actions in support of the initiative.
• Packaging: Viu Manent uses eco-light bottles to reduce the carbon footprint of their packaging.

Secreto Malbec Tasting Notes

The classic black cherry aroma, which Malbec is known for, is the most prominent characteristic on the nose of this wine. It also reveals some blackberry, floral, toasted oak, cocoa and green (e.g., green pepper) aromas. On the palate this wine appears more old world than new. It has very good acidity/vibrancy and a nice balance of fruit, earth and spice, offering flavors such as blackberry, cherry, earl grey tea, mushroom and cured meats. It finishes long with tart cherry and slightly bitter tannins.

Wine: Secreto De Viu Manent Malbec
Varieties: 85% Malbec, 15% It’s a Secret
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 88
Average price: $15.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.