Emiliana Salvaje Organic Syrah No Sulphites 2021  £14.96

Salvaje Organic Syrah No Sulphites, Casablanca, Chile

The Syrah and Rousanne grapes are from La Quebrada Vineyard in the La Vinilla zone of Casablanca in the foothills of the Coastal Mountains. Vines are planted 380 m above sea level in deep soils of granitic colluvial origin with good structure, low in clay content with a sandy-loam texture that allows the roots to penetrate deeply. The grapes were picked into bins, transported to the winery, and immediately chilled. The reception process begins with a double selection system on conveyor belts both before and after being destemmed. The grapes are then crushed and deposited into stainless steel tanks, where they undergo a 2-day cold maceration at 6º–8ºC. The temperature was then raised for the alcoholic fermentation with native yeasts at temperatures controlled to 20º–24ºC with a pumpover program managed according to enological criteria. Malolactic fermentation took place naturally in stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged for 5 months-50% in cement egg tanks and 50% in cement truncated cone tanks. The wine was the stabilized without treatments.

Deep violet-red. A distinctive nose with black olive and black forest fruits. The palate is intense with brooding blackberry fruit, black olive and clove spices. The velvety texture leads on to a long, concentrated finish.

A great match with lamb, sirloin, or other red meats. Spices that characterize Thai, Indian, and Vietnamese cuisine also go very well with this wine.

92 Points - Decanter

Excellent value from Emiliana’s low-intervention, natural wine venture, this shows an explosive nose of meadow flowers, meat and graphite, then a bright, juicy and crunchy finish. This Syrah with a dash of Roussanne (3%) is a wine to drink slightly chilled – and order two bottles.

Amanda Barnes - 'My Top 20 South American Syrah' - March 2023