Viña Falernia Elqui Valley Carmenère Gran Reserva 2022

The Reserva quality is the ultimate version of the 'ordinary' Carménère. It is made from hand-picked grapes that are not harvested until June, more than two months later than the normal harvest.

Due to the longer ripening period, the grapes dry out somewhat and become significantly more concentrated. This method reveals the Northern Italian origins of the winemakers: this 'appassimento method' is frequently used in Valpolicella.

After fermentation, the wine ages for six to eight months in top-quality American-made wooden barrels. This results in a particularly full-flavored Chilean red wine with soft tannins and a long, clean finish.

Falernia, Italian success in Chile

Aldo Olivier, born in Trentino, Italy, started Viña Falernia in 1997 with his cousin and fellow countryman Giorgio Flessati. It is a remarkable initiative, as they manage the northernmost vineyards in Chile. These are located in the Elqui Valley, near the city of La Serena, more than 500 kilometers north of Santiago.

A region—as soon became apparent—very suitable for producing aromatic and fresh wines. During the day it is (moderately) warm, but at night it cools down significantly due to the western ocean wind or cool mountain air from the Andes in the east. As a result, the grapes develop an intense aroma and flavor and retain refreshing acidity.

By now, Falernia's wines are widely known and recognized for their excellent quality. The international breakthrough came in 2005, when Falernia's Syrah was judged 'Wine of the Show' at the annual Wines of Chile Awards in Santiago.