Wines Curico Valley Miguel Torres - Los Inquitos 02 - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Miguel Torres’ Cuvée Los Inquitos 02 2020 is a striking Chilean red from the Curicó Valley, one of the country’s most renowned wine-growing regions. The 2020 vintage captures the essence of this terroir, blending various grape varieties to create a well-structured, expressive wine. The precise blend may include classic Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Carménère, renowned for contributing richness, spice, and depth. Winemaking at Miguel Torres leans toward gentle extraction and careful oak ageing, preserving both freshness and typicity. The result is a ruby red wine with notes of dark berry fruits, hints of plum and cassis, subtle spices, and a refined tannic structure that suggests both immediate appeal and potential for moderate cellaring.

Situated in Chile’s Central Valley, Curicó benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with hot days and cool nights. This diurnal temperature shift is key for preserving acidity and aroma in the grapes. The region’s alluvial soils, with a mix of sand, clay, and gravel, enable the roots to penetrate deeply, bringing complexity and mineral nuances to the wines. Historically, Curicó has played a pivotal role in the modernisation of Chilean viticulture, notably influenced by pioneering wineries like Miguel Torres, who brought innovative techniques and sustainable practices.

When it comes to pairings, the vibrant yet balanced profile of this red makes it highly versatile. It will accompany roasted red meats such as beef or lamb, grilled sausages, or hearty stews with root vegetables beautifully. Traditional Chilean dishes like pastel de choclo — a savoury corn pie — or empanadas filled with spicy beef will complement the wine’s fruit and spice notes. Mature hard cheeses such as Manchego or a tangy aged Cheddar also enjoy the company of this cuvée.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this red at 16-18°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes will help its aromas unfurl fully, revealing both fruit-forward freshness and subtle oak complexity. This is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but will also evolve gracefully over the next three to five years.