Botalcura El Delirio Reserva is a 60% Carménère and 40% Merlot varieties from Maule Valley and has an alcoholic content of 13.5º a pH of 3.64, a total acidity of 5.14 g/l and a residual sugar of 2.76 g/l. The berries of this Merlot grapes variety grown at a mild cold temperature climate, but with the contrast of warm days with cool evenings producing a benefitial difference of temperature between day and night. Clusters were hand-picked into half-ton bins and the cluster selection was perform on the vine, with leaf removal prior to vintage. Harvested only in the early morning hours to keep the fruits cool. The vines from where the grapes for this wine come from are planted over alluvial origin soils, on stony, clayish and sandy river beds. Hillside planting, stratified and slightly undulated, of medium depth and loamy texture good drainage and low vigour. During vinification the grapes from harvest were destemmed, soft crushed and carefully managed in order to protect them from oxidation. Winemaking was done at a controlled temperature of 25°C. The clusters were crushed carefully and then a cool pre-fermentation maceration was given in the stainless steel tanks at 59ºF (15ºC) for three days. Post-fermentation maceration was given for about two weeks and fining was done by press fractions based on constant tasting, with no “press wine” included in the blend.
Botalcura El Delirio Assemblage
$4.900
Botalcura, 750 ml
Variety: Assemblage
Viña Botalcura, Maule Valley
Composition: 60% Carménère & 40% Merlot
Vintage: 2010
Oenologist: Philippe Debrus
Pairing: This wine will pleasantly accompany stews, dry cheeses and specially, eggplant casseroles. Serve within 3 years at 16-18°C (60-68°F).
Tasting notes
Appearance: Intense ruby red, with purple highlights.
Aromas: Intense, fruity aroma of plum and cherry, tobacco, licorice, leather, olive leaves and pines, with a discreet undertone of wood.
Palate: Direct attack on the mouth, full palate, with good, persistent volume. Great tannic structure and good acidity balance the alcohol. The finish feels semi-long with notes of fruit. This wine reminds us of the traditional, old Chilean assemblages. The fruitiness of Merlot and the structural support of Carménère join in this attractive assemblage, which is well balanced and voluminous, with a semi-long finish. Very present tannins reveal the wine´s youth and will allow it to age well in the bottle.