Winemaker Notes
Deep and intense violet-cherry red in color. The character of this wine is expressed with notes of plums, blackcurrants, blueberries, violets, and wildflowers, with a subtle note of fine leather. The complex palate has tremendous texture and depth and is very flavorful, fresh, elegant, vibrant, and mineral, with a long finish. This is an authentic wine that is very expressive of its place of origin.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Really fresh and bright nose of potpourri, strawberries, violets and a mineral character. Medium- to full-bodied with superb, dusty tannins that evenly dissolve on the palate. Elegant, subtle, linear but intense and flavorful. Long and juicy. The best ever made from Viu Manent. Drink or hold.
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Vinous
The 2021 Viu 1 comprises 83% Malbec and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from Cunaco in the Colchagua Valley. Aged for 15 months in French oak barrels and foudres, this purple wine reveals notes of violets and plums, complemented by hints of lavender and oak. Dry, rich and plush on the palate, it features fine-grained tannins and a juicy flow, leading to a flavorful finish.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
Well-regarded for intense and exceptionally high quality red wines, the Colchagua Valley is situated in the southern part of Chile’s Rapel Valley, with many of the best vineyards lying in the foothills of the Coastal Range.
Heavy French investment and cutting-edge technology in both the vineyard and the winery has been a boon to the local viticultural industry, which already laid claim to ancient vines and a textbook Mediterranean climate.
The warm, dry growing season in the Colchagua Valley favors robust reds made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Malbec and Syrah—in fact, some of Chile’s very best are made here. A small amount of good white wine is produced from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.