# 8 Ríos Cabernet Sauvignon Suave (2024)

- **Producer:** Viña Undurraga
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Valle Central, Chile
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €6
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, strawberry, blackberry, vanilla

## About this wine

8 Ríos is an approachable brand crafted by the historic Chilean winery Viña Undurraga, designed to showcase the vibrant and friendly fruit character of the Valle Central. The name pays homage to the eight major rivers that flow from the Andes through Chile's wine valleys, nourishing the soils. This 'Suave' expression is specifically crafted to offer a softer, more accessible style of Cabernet Sauvignon, highlighting lush fruitiness with a touch of residual sweetness, making it an inviting choice for everyday enjoyment and those who prefer a smoother red wine.

## Interesting facts

- The name '8 Ríos' (Eight Rivers) celebrates the vital waterways flowing from the Andes that irrigate Chile's central wine valleys.
- Crafted by Viña Undurraga, one of Chile's oldest and most historic wineries, founded in 1885.
- This 'Suave' style is intentionally crafted with residual sweetness to soften Cabernet's naturally high tannins.

## Food pairing

The residual sweetness and soft tannins of this 'Suave' Cabernet Sauvignon make it an excellent partner for dishes with sweet, savory, or mildly spicy profiles. The wine's sweetness tames the heat of spicy dishes, while its fruitiness complements sweet glazes and rich, semi-hard cheeses.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested from selected vineyards across the Valle Central. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the bright, primary fruit characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon. To achieve the 'Suave' (smooth/sweet) profile, the fermentation is arrested early to retain natural residual sugar, or a portion of sweet grape must is blended back. The wine undergoes minimal oak contact to keep the focus entirely on fresh fruit flavors and soft, rounded tannins.