Santa Rita Pehuen - Bundle & Save

Santa Rita Pehuén originates from Chile, within the prestigious Apalta subregion of the Colchagua Valley. Produced by Viña Santa Rita—one of Chile’s oldest and most historically significant wineries, founded in 1880—Pehuén represents the estate's pinnacle expression of Carmenère. Named after the ancient Pehuén (Araucaria or Monkey Puzzle tree) native to the Chilean Andes, the wine is sourced from a single, historic vineyard block planted in 1938 on deep granite-and-clay soils. Operating with a ultra-premium philosophy, Santa Rita combines meticulous hand-sorting, micro-fermentation, and extended oak maturation to elevate Carmenère into a world-class, age-worthy luxury wine.

Wine Description

This red wine presents a deep, opaque purple-violet appearance in the glass with an inky dark core. It possesses a full-bodied, dense, and velvety structure defined by a plush, mouth-coating, and expansive texture. The sensory profile is rich, seductive, and highly complex, opening with an intense bouquet of black plum preserves, dark cherries, and wild blackberries, seamlessly layered with signature Carmenère notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, dried herbs, sweet tobacco leaf, graphite, and subtle red paprika spice. On the palate, it delivers a massive, fruit-concentrated core supported by fine-grained, ripe, and polished tannins and a balanced thread of acidity that keeps the palate lively. The finish is remarkably long, lingering, and opulent, leaving persistent echoes of cocoa, sweet cedar, and dark berry fruits.

• Varietal Composition: Typically 90% to 95% Carmenère, blended with small proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah for structural framing.

• Stylistic Notes: Hand-harvested from low-yielding 80+ year-old vines in Apalta. The grapes undergo cold maceration prior to fermentation in small stainless steel tanks and concrete vats. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and ages for approximately 18 to 20 months in French oak barrels (with a high percentage of new oak), followed by extended bottle aging prior to release.

• ABV: Typically 14.5%.

Food Pairing

The opulent weight, dense fruit core, and distinct savory-spice profile of Pehuén Carmenère make it a magnificent companion to rich, high-end gastronomy.

• Fine Meats: Pairs exceptionally well with grilled prime ribeye, roasted rack of lamb with garlic and herbs, slow-braised beef short ribs, or char-broiled steaks with chimichurri sauce.

• Game & Poultry: Ideal when served alongside pan-roasted duck breast with a plum or blackberry reduction, wild boar ragù, or venison loin.

• Earthy Dishes: Complements dishes featuring dark mole sauce, roasted root vegetables, truffle-infused risottos, and dishes with roasted bell peppers or cocoa-nib rubs.

• Cheeses: Matches gracefully with mature, firm cheeses such as aged Manchego, 24-month Comté, sharp cheddar, or smoked Gouda.