2017 Ventisquero Grey [Glacier] GCM Red Blend ($20)
This wonderful blend from Ventisquero comes from the La Roblería vineyard in the Apalta area of the Colchagua Valley.
It is a blend of 62% Garnacha, 19% Cariñena (Carignan) and 19% Mataro (Mouvedre or Monastrell). All three varieties are grown in the same plot with varying harvest times. The grapes undergo pre-fermentation for three to five days before a slow and gentle fermentation at cool temperatures and received regular pump-overs each day. The post-fermentation maceration lasted one to two weeks to ensure balanced tannins. Finally, the wine was aged in neutral French oak for six months.
The Garnacha yields bright cherry and raspberry flavors while the Cariñena and Mataro add acidity, color and complexity. Along with hints of black pepper, this wine also has nice cassis and plum flavors. This is still a young wine that exhibits firm tannin that smooths out with decanting.
There’s a lot of wonderful flavors and textures going on in this blend that should continue to develop with aging. Ventisquero is name to look for and this GCM blend is well worth a try. Another great value worthy of being featured as a Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Donna White of Donna White Communications