Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real Gran Reserva 2022

Introduction

Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real Gran Reserva 2022 is a red wine from Chile, produced in the Maipo Valley appellation. The wine is part of the Medalla Real line from Viña Santa Rita, a historic winery founded in 1880. The 'Medalla Real' (Royal Medal) name commemorates the award the wine received in the 19th century. The Gran Reserva designation signifies a wine of specific quality, requiring certain aging and alcoholic strength. The grapes for this wine are 100% sourced from the highly regarded Alto Jahuel vineyards in the Alto Maipo Valley.

Wine Description

The wine has a deep ruby-red or very deep purple ink colour.

• Varietal Composition: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc. Some sources may cite slightly different percentages or include a minor amount of Petit Verdot.

• Aromatic Profile: The nose is rich and full of dark blue fruit like blueberries, blackberries, and dried figs, with notes of black currant and cherry. These are complemented by hints of black olive, pepper, cigar box, and mild spice from the oak.

• Body and Palate: Full-bodied, with a sweet attack and a rich mid-palate. The palate is a generous mix of red and black fruits, with flavours of blackberry and cassis, often with a subtle savoury or earthy undercurrent.

• Structure: The mouth has intense, well-rounded, and ripe tannins that create a prominent backbone. The tannins are polished and well-supported by the juicy flow of the wine.

• Aging: The wine is aged in oak barrels to develop its complexity, with notes of toasted oak and vanilla frequently detected.

• ABV: Typically 13.6% or 13.5%.

• Optimal Drinking Window: Recommended for drinking from 2023 to 2036.

Food Pairing

This rich and structured Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect companion for hearty meat dishes. Suggested pairings include:

• Red Meats: Grilled red meat, steak, and hamburgers.

• Pork: Pork dishes.

• Other Dishes: Hard cheese and venison.