Vina Tarapaca Merlot 2002
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2001-
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Since Viña Tarapacá was founded in 1874 by Don Francisco de Rojas y Salamanca at the foothills of the Andes mountain range, it has crafted elegant, quality wines, becoming one of the most traditional and historical Chilean wineries, as well as a benchmark for viticulture in Chile and over 50 countries.
Viña Tarapacá has achieved important and consistent acknowledgements since 1876 due to its winemaking heritage and experience in pursuit of quality and excellence.
Being part of VSPT Wine Group, it has a strong sense of environmental friendliness, adhering to the highest international quality standards and certifications. VSPT became Green Company of the Year in the 2016 Green Awards -the competition’s maximum prize- as well as being recognized as leader in Renewable Energy Implementation, thanks to its firm commitment to sustainability.
Tied to the history of the so-called “lost grape of Bordeaux,” Carmenѐre, the story of Chilean Merlot is a fascinating one. For decades in Chile the former was actually thought to be Merlot, so the two were typically planted together and harvested at the same time. Since Merlot is an early-ripening variety and Carmenѐre much later-ripening, the resulting wines often tasted unripe and vegetal. Not until 1994 was Chilean Carmenѐre identified correctly. As awareness grew, growers and winemakers began handling both grapes more optimally, leading to significant improvement in the wines.
Today Merlot ranks as the third most planted variety in Chile, behind Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. It is mostly found in the following valley DO’s, from north to south: Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua, Curicó and Maule. It can appear both in blends or on its own. Either way, Chilean Merlot tends to show characteristic aromas and flavors of ripe plums, dark berries and herbs, often accented by oak, with a mouthfeel that is round and full.