2012 Viñedos Alcohuaz, Rhu, Elqui Valley, Chile
Critics reviews
Luis Gutirrez - 28/04/2017
About this WINE
Vinedos Alcohuaz
Alcohuaz is the name of the small village near the vineyard. Viñedos de Alcohuaz is a young project, the vines are 10 years old now and planted on granite and volcanic soils in the semi-arid environment of the Elqui Valley, some 500km north of Santiago. At 1800 - 2200m altitude, these vineyards are some of the highest in the world. The vineyard are farmed organically and biodynamically but currently the winery does not seek certification. Marcelo Retamal of de Martino fame is responsible for winemaking at this 18ha estate.
GRUS is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Malbec, fermented in stone lagares and aged for 12 months in Nomblot concrete Eggs. The name GRUS comes from a constellation of stars - the crane bird.
RHU is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Petite Sirah, fermented in stone lagares and aged in a mixture of concrete eggs and Stockinger foudres. The meaning of RHU is the portal to the spiritual world. This is a more structured wine than GRUS, brimming with volcanic power.
Other Varieties
There are over 200 different grape varieties used in modern wine making (from a total of over 1000). Most lesser known blends and varieties are traditional to specific parts of the world.
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Description
Another exceptional offering from Viñedos de Alcohuaz. RHU is a blend of Syrah (73%), Garnacha and Petite Syrah, grown at well over 1700 metres altitude on the granite slopes of the Andes. The grapes are trodden in stone lagares prior to vinification. Tenser, denser and less forthcoming than its sibling younger GRUS, this calls for decanting to reveal the full extent of its complexity. On the nose, any hint of reduction quickly dissipates, replaced by peppery, granitic notes, with a wave of sweet red fruit just behind. The palate is fresh, voluminous and exceptionally concentrated.
Will Heslop, Wine Buyer
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