Matetic Vineyards 2015 EQ Pinot Noir “Granite” ($40)
Matetic’s vineyards sit 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean in Chile’s Casablanca Valley. The soils are granite and iron rich. Organic, estate grown grapes were utilized for this wine. It’s composed entirely of Pint Noir. Only Clones 115 and 777 were used. Aging took place in French oak of several sizes for 12 months.
There are a scant few places on earth that offer great bang for the buck in excellent Pinot Noir. As it happens a few that fit the bill are located in Chile. Pinot thrives in cooler climate and most of the very best examples from Chile are from vineyards close to the ocean that are effected by the relative climactic conditions that proximity to water offers. Casablanca Valley is one of those areas.
I’ve been drinking the Matetic wines for about a decade now. What has impressed me each and every time I’ve pulled the cork from one of their offerings probably sounds quite simple. There’s a purity of fruit and expression of place that shines through all of their wines. I say sounds simple, because this isn’t the case as often as I wish it were. I believe that both farming and wine-making practices lead the way to the aforementioned result here. They farm organically, and in the winery they stay as far out of the way as they can to allow the vineyards to shine through. And that they do. From the first whiff that wafts from the glass, red fruit, earth, and subtle spices are evident. Those characteristics are joined by savory herbs on the layered palate. If you’re among those who question mineral notes in a wine, well there’s a treasure trove of them here on the lengthy, persistent finish alongside hints of black tea. This is a striking example of Pinot Noir. At around $40 it represents a steal of a deal. A wine of this quality and purity from a better known Pinot Growing region would easily command $65.