Rapel
Rapel Valley, to the south of Maipo Valley and to the north of Curico, covers just over a quarter of the Chilean vineyards. The region overall is hotter than Maule further south. Thanks to its warm climate, Rapel Valley is an oasis for wine production. Red grapes ripen easily, as the coastal range blocks the cool Pacific breezes.
Rapel encompasses two distinctive, very contrasting sub-regions: Cachapoal in the north and Colchagua to the South. Both regions have earned a reputation for full flavoured red wine single varietals and blends from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere. The plantings of Syrah and Malbec are also on the rise.
Prices:
Bottle
£13.25
The nose of this Chilean Sauvignon Blanc is brightly pungent, with notes of passion fruit, peas and asparagus jumping out at you. The green edge follows through to a fruit-driven palate, long and concentrated. It is enjoyably refreshing and appealingly classic in style.
Bottle
£14.95
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
Bottle
£16.95
Bottle 12 x 75cl24cs
Bottle
£17.50
Bottle 12 x 75cl7cs
Bottle
£17.95
Bottle 12 x 75cl20cs
Bottle
£29.95
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
The 2012 VIK somehow manages to be even more impressive than the exceptional 2011. A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Carménère, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 2% Syrah, this wine has an intense, lifted nose dominated by blackcurrants. The palate however is beautifully fresh and succulent with layer upon layer of smooth, svelte fruit coming through. The tannins are in abundance, coating the mouth, but are pin-point fine resulting in a sense of suave sophistication. This is what ultra-premium, modern Chile is all about: exceptional concentration yet elegant with a juicy, refreshing character that brings harmony and balance to the endless finish. Drink 2018-2035+.
Catriona Felstead MW, Chile Buyer
A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Carmenere, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot & 4% Syrah. Opaque in colour, the nose is Rich, Cassis, Damson, Blueberry fruit with an attractive seam of earth, graphite, an almost Old world savoury hint that balances out the vanillin Oak. The palate is medium plus bodied in its richness but has a freshness and elegance that keeps the rich fruit lifted and buoyed up throughout the mid – end palate. Unlike other blockbusters from this area of the world, where the rich core almost seems like it has “concrete boots”, the Vina Vik has a polished fluidity, non-fatiguing on the palate, making you want to go back for more. Perfect with Drink now or keep easily for another 5 – 10 years. The quality & class, time spent on this can really be seen in the final product. 2018 - 2030”
Stuart Rae, Private Account Manager
Martin Hudson MW, Wine Buyer