EQ Syrah 2017,0032 (Matetic)

Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. Arriving in Chile in 1892 from their Croatian homeland, the Matetic family initially established a sheep farm in Punta Arenas. In 1999 they decided to begin a new chapter in their family’s history aby opening a winery in the El Rosario Valley in San Antonio. This cool climate Syrah is made with grapes from their estate vineyards in the valley which are planted on granitic soils and are largely dry-farmed without the use of irrigation. These growing conditions help to produce intensely-flavoured fruit with perfect balance thanks to the cooling breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean. In the winery the family ferment using wild yeasts found naturally in the air and on the skins of the grapes. The young wine is then transferred to French oak barrels for up to 22 months before bottling. Luscious dark cherry, cassis and baked plum along with hints of black pepper and licorice define the nose while on the palate there is a well-rounded texture, robust full body and very long finish. The power and intensity of this wine make it a great choice to keep in the cellar for a few more years or to drink now alongside rich red meat dishes like lamb, steak, or even barbecued ribs.