# Santa Helena Varietal Carmenère (2023)

- **Producer:** Viña Santa Helena
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Carmenère, Merlot, Syrah
- **Region:** Central Valley, Chile
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €6
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black fruit, red fruit, herbaceous, cloves, vanilla

## About this wine

The Santa Helena Varietal Carmenère is a red wine from Viña Santa Helena, produced in Chile's Central Valley. The winery, founded in 1942, has a long history of winemaking, named after the founder's daughter, Helena. Their approach prioritizes vineyard quality through practices like restrained pruning and hand harvesting. Viña Santa Helena is a significant exporter, part of the VSPT Wine Group, and is known for wines that offer good value. This particular Carmenère is distinguished by its velvety style and fine tannins, presenting a complex and fruity character.

## Interesting facts

- Carmenère is considered Chile's 'icon' grape.
- Viña Santa Helena is one of Chile's top ten wine exporters.
- The winery is part of the VSPT Wine Group.
- Wines are named after the founder's daughter, Helena.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and fine tannins complement the protein in red meats, while its fruit profile can stand up to richer sauces. Its subtle herbal notes can echo herbs used in cooking, and its balanced acidity helps cut through fattier dishes.

## Wine making process

The Santa Helena Varietal Carmenère is produced using grapes from the Central Valley. The winemaking process begins with selective hand harvesting, followed by gentle de-stemming. Fermentation is carried out under controlled temperatures to maintain freshness and fruit characteristics. A portion of the wine is aged in new oak barrels to enhance complexity. Sustainable practices are noted in the vineyard operations.