Carignan 50% Syrah 45% Grenache, 5%
Garcia and Schwaderer follow a pretty common theme in wine regions around the world. Two winemakers, working for large wine companies meet, fall in love and decide to make their own wine. Infact their former employers got so annoyed when their side project started to gain a lot of attention, they were asked to choose between the two. They chose love and moved full time into their own project. They are some of the movers and shakers behind the MOVI organisation in Chile and are at the fore front of quality winemaking in the South of the county in Maule and Itata.
Itata was one of the first regions to be planted in Chile, but around the mid 1800’s it lost its prominence, when easier to grow and larger scale viticulture was found in central Chile. There, the wine culture followed the “Bordeaux” model since the wealthy families travelled to France, bringing back French varietals and the concept of the large scale Chateau. The South remained a little wild and very small scale, focusing on traditional varieties like Carignan and Cinsault. Today younger winemakers have realised the potential of these old sites and unique grape varieties and is where most of the excitement in Chile can be found.
This Bravado is a great example. It is a blend of three grape varieties sourced from 2 vineyards in Itata. The vines are over 60 years old, with the Carignan being the major part of the blend. The wine spent 22 months in older oak barrels, but it is the fruit that really shines through. Dark and very brooding in appearance. It offers intense blackcurrant and bitter cherry flavours, with a lively, almost crunchy acidity. Medium to full bodied, this is a luscious opulent wine that feels bright and festive; simply a joy to drink.