Wines Maipo Alto Cabernario - N°8 - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Cabernario Cuvée N°8 2021 from Maipo Alto, Chile, is a red wine that reflects the remarkable potential of the Maipo Valley for producing structured and expressive reds. While the exact blend is unspecified, the name hints at a predominant use of Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape for which Maipo Alto is renowned. The 2021 vintage benefited from a temperate climate, ensuring slow and even grape maturation that helps preserve natural acidity and aromatic complexity. The vinification in this region typically favours a balance between ripe fruit, fresh acidity and subtle oak influence, producing wine with generous body, ripe tannins, and notable ageing potential.

Maipo Valley, and more specifically the Maipo Alto subregion, sits at the foot of the Andes mountains, benefiting from a Mediterranean climate with significant diurnal temperature variation. The cool nights and warm days help retain freshness in the grapes while ensuring optimal ripening. The soils here are predominantly alluvial with good drainage, which encourages deep root penetration, concentrating flavours and structure in the grapes. Maipo Valley is one of Chile’s oldest and most prestigious wine regions, often cited as the cradle of Chilean wine culture, with a history of Cabernet production that dates back to the 19th century.

Cabernario Cuvée N°8 2021 is a versatile companion for red meats and robust dishes. Its firm structure and ripe fruit character make it an excellent choice for grilled beef steak, roast lamb with rosemary, or a classic Chilean pastel de choclo (a savoury corn and meat pie). You may also enjoy it with aged cheeses, such as manchego or gruyère, which complement the tannic backbone of the wine. For a regional touch, pair with empanadas de pino or slow-cooked beef stew.

To savour the full aromatic expression and texture of this wine, it is best served at 16-18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving will allow the bouquet to open and the tannins to soften, providing a harmonious and rewarding tasting experience.