Last week I participated at a virtual wine tasting featuring the lovely wines of TerraNoble from Chile. The session was led by TerraNoble winemaker Marcelo Garcia and Tomas Uribe the Regional Director, USA & Europe for TerraNoble who did a great job translating to English for Marcelo.
About TerraNoble
Founded in 1993, TerraNoble pioneered quality wines in the Maule Valley. According to the winery, the name “TerraNoble” recognizes the unassuming majesty of the soils of the Maule Valley, and its ability to gift excellent wines. When it was first established, TerraNoble was a boutique winery specializing in Merlot but in 1994, when Chilean Merlot was identified as Carmenere, the popular winery’s focus shifted to this rediscovered varietal that is now top of mind when wine drinkers think of Chilean wine.
TerraNoble has furthered its regional presence to the Colchagua and Casablanca valleys where its philosophy continues to be one of minimum intervention, for wines to be true to the land and the distinctiveness of its grape varieties.
The winery believes in sustainable principles and is a Sustainable Wines of Chile Certified winery that adheres to the Wine in Moderation initiative, and is now Vegan certified.
About Winemaker Marcelo Garcia
TerraNoble Winemaker Marcelo Garcia was born in Santiago, Chile and studied agronomy at Universidad Mayor before earning his Diploma in Winemaking from the Universidad de Chile in 2000.
Marcelo worked his first vintage at Concha Toro in 2000 as a winery operator. In addition to Concha y Toro, Marcelo’s résumé features other important Chilean wineries, such as Valdivieso, Santa Carolina and San Pedro. At San Pedro he was responsible for 1865, Castillo de Molina and Santa Helena, among the winery’s most renowned brands.
Marcelo joined TerraNoble as Chief Winemaker in 2015 where he has formed a team that always delivers the best that Chilean viniculture has to offer.
About the Wines Tasted
2017 Gran Reserva Carmenere
Looks: Purple red in the glass
Smell: Dark fruit/berry with peppery notes on the nose
Taste: Ripe/juicy stone fruit and tart raspberry on the palate with dark chocolate notes
Texture and Finish: Full-bodied, sweet/round tannins with balanced acidity with a medium finish
Pairings: Grilled meats, spicy chili
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): 100% Carmenere
Region: Maule Valley, Chile
Price: $18.99
2016 CA1 (Carmenere Andes)
Looks: Cherry red in the glass
Smell: Ripe red fruit with minty notes on the nose
Taste: Cherry and red fruit on the palate with oaky notes
Texture and Finish: Medium/full-bodied, round and balanced tannins with a silky texture and a long finish
Pairings: Mushroom risotto, cassoulet
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): 100% Carmenere
Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Price: $24.99
2017 CA1 (Carmenere Andes)
Looks: Red with some blueish hues in the glass
Smell: Big juicy red fruit on the nose
Taste: Ripe red fruit and cherry on the palate with minty notes
Texture and Finish: Medium/full-bodied, round tannins with long, fresh finish
Pairings: Grilled meats, spicy chili
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): 100% Carmenere
Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Price: $24.99
2017 CA2 (Carmenere Costa)
Looks: Deep red in the glass
Smell: Big red fruit on the nose
Taste: Ripe/juicy red fruit and on the palate with some spiced notes
Texture and Finish: Full-bodied, little jammy, firm tannins with a bit of minerality and with a long, intense finish
Pairings: Grilled meats, stewed meat dishes like beef short ribs
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): 100% Carmenere
Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Price: $24.99
2018 Gran Reserva Carignan
Looks: Deep red in the glass
Smell: Red fruit with some floral notes on the nose
Taste: Cherry and tart raspberry on the palate
Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, nice minerality with a crisp, long finish
Pairings: Cheese plate, red sauced pasta
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): 100% Carignan
Region: Melozal, Maule Valley, Chile
Price: $18.99
Very impressed by these wines.
Cheers,
Veronique
Note: Wines were provided by TerraNoble complimentary for this tasting.
[…] It’s radiant and fun and would be a great complement for mushroom risotto, as Veronique of Food and Wine Chickie recommended, or perhaps saag paneer. Even sandwiched vanilla crème cookies would be enjoyable to […]