Clos des Fous 2017 'Cauquenina' Red Blend, Cauquenes

Clos des Fous 2017 'Cauquenina' Red Blend, Cauquenes

Item Number: 18697

UPC: 7-804640220032

Country: Chile
Region: Central Valley
Sub Region: Maule
Appellation/AVA: Cauquenes
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2017
Grape(s): Carignan / Pais / Portugais Bleu / Petite Sirah / Syrah / Malbec / Cinsault
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.3
Soil Type: Granite
Elevation: 490 feet
Case Production: 750

Vineyard Notes: Grapes are sourced from a 4.5-acre, low-yielding vineyard of bush vines in the Cauquenes subregion of Maule Valley. The vines were planted in 1985 at 490 feet above sea level in granite soils. The vineyard is farmed lutte raisonée. 

Winemaking Notes: Each variety is vinified separately in either concrete vats or stainless steel tanks. The wine is left on the lees for 12 months and bottled lightly filtered.

Reviews

  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 91 (8/31/2021)
    The red blend 2017 Cauquenina is approximately of 40% Carignan, 30% País, 20% Cinsault and 10% Carmenere, quite different from previous years and higher in Carignan and with a notable percentage of Cinsault. It fermented at low temperature and matured in concrete and 5,000-liter oak foudre for six months. There is a little more rusticity here, perhaps the higher percentage of Cariñena this year. There is also a smoky and spicy note reminiscent of the Chilean spice mix called merkén, with some notes of graphite too. It's medium-bodied and has some dusty tannins.