Haras de Pirque, Galantas Cabernet Franc Gran Reserva 2019, 75cl

Located in the foothills of the Andes in Chile's Maipo Valley, Haras de Pirque combines one of Chile's great red wine regions with the winemaking expertise of the Antinori family. The estate's distinctive horseshoe shaped winery sits among its organic vineyards, with Galantas representing its finest expression of Cabernet Franc. The fruit comes from vineyards reaching over 700 metres altitude, where warm days and particularly cool Andean nights help preserve freshness, aromatics and elegance.

Galantas Cabernet Franc Gran Reserva is a refined but generously structured expression of the variety, typically aged for around 14 months in French oak barriques. Dark berry and cassis fruit is joined by graphite, tobacco, roasted coffee and fresh spice, with fine tannins and a lovely mineral freshness running through the palate. Richer and riper than a typical Loire Cabernet Franc, but retaining the variety's distinctive fragrance and savoury character, this is an elegant, polished example of high-altitude Maipo Cabernet   Goes excellently with roast or grilled lamb, steak, venison, slow-cooked beef, mushroom dishes or mature hard cheeses.

"The 2019 Cabernet Franc Gran Reserva Galantas from Pirque, Maipo Alto, was aged for 14 months in French barrels. Dark garnet red in the glass. The precise, slightly balsamic aromas feature ash and green pepper over blackcurrant and sour cherry layers. Lean and juicy in the mouth, the palate presents finely grained tannins enhanced by a mild freshness keeping things flowing. Lingering and fruity, it is made in the same style as the 2018 but with greater nuance."  Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous.com