El Delirio Reserva Merlot is a 85% Merlot variety from Maule Valley and has an alcoholic content of 13.5º a pH of 3.68, a total acidity of 4.81 g/l and a residual sugar of 3.33 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 and fining was done by press fractions based on constant tasting, with no “press wine” included in the blend.
Botalcura El Delirio Merlot
$4.900
Botalcura, 750 ml
Variety: Merlot
Viña Botalcura, Maule Valley
Composition: 85% Merlot
Vintage: 2010
Oenologist: Philippe Debrus
Pairing: A wine like this perfectly pairs with roast beef au jus, fresh water-fish, salads and soft-ripened cheeses. The wine is enjoyable now and can be cellared for five years to reach its best. Serve at 18ºC (64ºF).
Tasting notes
Appearance: This Merlot has a very nice colour and concentration. It is of an intense ruby red with dark hints and slow and numerous legs.
Aromas: Intense blackberry aromas, notes of plums, vanilla, nutmeg and oak.
Palate: Gentle on the front palate, opening to full fruit flavours in the mouth-filling middle. Intense and well-integrated tannins lend a solid structure, in harmony with the acidity. Medium-bodied and long on the finish. It exhibits the best characteristics of the variety in an easy-drinking style. The oak accents harmonize with the bright fruit.