# Antiyal Carmenere Viñedo Escorial (2019)

- **Producer:** Antiyal Winery
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Carmenere
- **Region:** Maipo Valley, Chile
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €75
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** eucalyptus, ripe fruit, black plum, black cherry, mint, blackcurrant

## About this wine

Antiyal Carmenere Viñedo Escorial 2019 is a single-varietal Carmenere from Chile's Maipo Valley, produced by Antiyal Winery. Founded by biodynamic pioneer Alvaro Espinoza, the winery emphasizes a holistic approach to winemaking, respecting the vineyard's terroir. The 'El Escorial' vineyard, planted in 2003 at 500 meters elevation, features rocky, low-fertility soils. The wine is distinguished by its 100% Carmenere varietal purity, biodynamic certification, and aging exclusively in concrete eggs, which aims to preserve the natural expression of the grape and its origin.

## Interesting facts

- Antiyal means 'sons of the sun' in the Mapuche language.
- The 'El Escorial' vineyard was planted in 2003.
- This wine is aged solely in concrete eggs, avoiding oak.
- It is Demeter certified for biodynamic practices.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and polished tannins complement the richness of red meats and game, while its fruit-forward profile can stand up to robust sauces. The absence of oak allows the wine's inherent fruit and earthy notes to harmonize with savory dishes.

## Wine making process

The Antiyal Carmenere Viñedo Escorial 2019 is produced using 100% Carmenere grapes from the 'El Escorial' vineyard. Viticulture follows organic and biodynamic principles, with hand-harvesting. Fermentation occurs naturally with native yeasts in large stainless steel tanks over 25 days. The wine then undergoes 12 months of aging exclusively in concrete eggs, a technique chosen to preserve the varietal's character and the vineyard's mineral expression without oak influence. Production for this vintage was approximately 3,300 bottles.