Leyda valley is one of the most exciting wine regions in Chile and is well-known internationally for crisp juicy white wines and elegant lighter bodied red wines. Unfortunately we don’t often see these wines in Norway, so take the opportunity now to explore!
Located only a few kilometers from the coast, one and a half hours drive west of Santiago, Leyda has a unique combination of cool coastal climate and diverse terroir perfect for high quality wines. Although still a relatively young valley, development of vineyards began in the late 1990´s it quickly became known as one of the premium regions in Chile.
Its proximity to the coast draws cold air in from the Pacific Ocean creating cool foggy mornings, later around 11 o´clock the sun breaks through and warms the vineyards. In the afternoon, gentle breezes sweep through the vineyards ensuring the vines are kept healthy with a low-disease pressure. This cooling effects which is similar to some areas of Oregon and Sonoma Coast in California is one of the keys to producing quality grapes. The other important factor in Leyda valley is the terroir. This is an area with many different soil types however the most important is the ancient seabeds rich in limestone and fossils – similar to what can be found in the Loire valley and Burgundy. Wines as a result often have a very fine acidic backbone and pure fruit flavours.
Whilst these types of conditions have proven ideal for wines such as Chardonnay, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, it can also produce an exciting style of Syrah which is fresh, spicy, and aromatic compared to other more inland areas which are much warmer. These wines are easy to like and are extremely food friendly.
Ventisquero´s vineyard "Las Terrazas" in Leyda Valley is located only 7 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean
The Maipo River passes through the lower end of the Leyda Valley before it reaches the Pacific Ocean.
So how does Leyda valley Syrah compare to other styles of Syrah internationally?
Syrah from Leyda valley is very fresh and aromatic with lots of exotic spice and black pepper intertwined with black fruit such as red and black plums, boysenberries and wild raspberries. Usually, its medium rather than full-bodied and the tannins are ripe and moderate in weight. This is very different from a ripe full-bodied Shiraz from Barossa valley in Australia and is possibly more similar in style to Central Coast California Syrah and cool-climate Syrah from New Zealand. If we were to compare with Syrah from the Northern Rhone, the closest in style would be Saint Joseph, yet Leyda has more salty and exotic spice that you don´t find in France.
Vina Ventisquero Kalfu Sumpai Syrah 2020
Årgang:
2020
Produsent:
Vina Ventisquero
Region:
Leyda
Land:
Chile
VMP:
14443001
Winemaking: aged 12 months in mainly used French Burgundian oak (15% new)
Utvalg:
Basisutvalget
Druer:Syrah
Lagringspotensielle:
Very youthful, can drink now, but worth decanting for 1 hour prior to serving. Will hold well over the next 5 – 7 years.
Smaksnotat:
Medium deep ruby with purple hue. Aromatic spicy nose with cinnamon, black pepper and exotic spice. Very juicy acidity with core of elegant ripe black plums, red plums, raspberries, black cherries, well-integrated velvety tannins, salty twist and length finish.
Excellent combination with seasonal lamb – slow roast lamb with rosemary, thyme and garlic and root vegetables would be a great pairing, or with grilled meats.
Vurdering:92 poeng
Anmelder:
Jane Nisbet Huseby
