Wines Colchagua Valley Luis Felipe Edwards - Family Selection Gran Reserva - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Luis Felipe Edwards Family Selection Gran Reserva 2021 is a red wine from the celebrated Colchagua Valley, within the broader Rapel Valley of Chile. This cuvée is a blend crafted with meticulous care, combining the best parcels of the estate. While the precise blend composition may vary from vintage to vintage, Gran Reserva reds from this area typically feature grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Syrah or Merlot, expressing both varietal intensity and regional identity. The 2021 vintage benefited from steady weather, allowing for optimal ripeness and freshness. This wine is vinified with traditional methods and benefits from extended maturation in French and American oak barrels, adding complexity, texture and subtle spice to the ripe dark fruit profile.

Colchagua Valley is one of Chile's flagship wine regions, renowned for its red wines that deliver concentration yet maintain elegance. The valley’s climate is Mediterranean, with warm days and cool nights aided by Pacific breezes and the influence of the Andes, which help preserve the acidity and aromatics in the grapes. Soils are varied, with clay, sand and gravel providing excellent drainage and complexity to the wines. The region's winemaking tradition, although recent compared to Old World, has quickly gained international acclaim for producing high-quality estate wines, with producers like Luis Felipe Edwards leading the way.

Pairing this Gran Reserva with food calls for robust and hearty dishes that can complement its depth and structure. Consider classic Chilean fare like grilled beef empanadas, pastel de choclo (corn and beef pie), or slow-cooked lamb with herbs. It would also do wonderfully with international dishes such as a ribeye steak, roast venison, or aubergine parmigiana for a vegetarian option. The wine’s bold fruit and refined tannins work particularly well with dishes involving rich sauces, grilled meats or earthy mushrooms.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this red at 16-18°C. Decanting for around an hour will allow the wine to open up, releasing its full bouquet of blackberries, plums, compote and toasty oak. This will maximise both aroma and palate, making for a memorable drinking experience.