A couple weeks ago, we highlighted a Concha y Toro merlot from their Casillero del Diablo brand. But as I mentioned then, Concha y Toro has a number of different brands. Gran Reserva Serie Riberas is another of their brands.
This wine comes from the San Clemente area in the Maule Valley, which is the southernmost sub-region within Chile’s Central Valley. It’s the largest and one of the oldest wine regions within Chile, although it doesn’t get as much fanfare as regions like Colchagua and Casablanca Valley. Red wine varieties do particularly well in this region and many of the newer plantings include merlot vines. The grapes for this wine are grown along the Maule River.
There is a nice balance of earth and fruit qualities on the nose of this wine, with aromas like tree bark, plum, salami and blackberry. It’s also nicely balanced on the palate, offering cherry, plum and chocolate flavors. The acidity is outstanding and really makes this wine stand out. That acidity is one of the traits often found in Maule Valley merlot. The mouth feel is slightly astringent, but still nice. It finishes with tangy cherry flavors. There’s a nice old world quality to this wine, but it still has plenty of fruit for the new world fans.
Wine: Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 14%
Rating: 88
Price: $16.00
Find Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Merlot with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.