Luma Chequén Gran Reserva Carménère

Key characteristics:

Luma Chequén Gran Reserva Carménère is an exceptional Chilean red wine, revealing elegance, complexity, and a sumptuous concentration of flavors. Crafted by Invina, a dedicated family-owned winery with over two decades of viticultural expertise in the Maule Valley, this wine is a testament to meticulous winemaking. It is uniquely crafted from a blend of grapes sourced from two distinct Maule Valley vineyards: the cooler, coastal Batuco Estate, which imparts bright blueberry notes, and the warmer, inland Las Tizas Estate, contributing a richer, jammier profile. The wine undergoes a careful aging process of 12 months in oak barrels, followed by bottling with minimum filtration to preserve its pure fruit expression.

Tasting Notes:

• Variety: 100% Carménère
• Appearance: Intense ruby
• Aroma: In the foreground, ripe red and black fruits such as blueberry and raspberry intertwine with dried fruits like raisins, complemented by sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon and black pepper. In the background, hints of dark chocolate and dried herbs emerge. Additional nuances of black cherry, blackberry, cocoa, green pepper, and cedar create a truly complex bouquet.
• Taste: Enjoy a complex and plush palate featuring rich flavors of blueberries, chocolate, and spices, alongside notes of prunes, ground pepper, and dried leaves, all delivered with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. It offers a vibrant and well-balanced experience with amiable tannins, modest acidity, and a satisfying medium-long finish that reveals dark berry and spice flavors.
• Region: Maule Valley, Chile. As one of Chile’s most historic and extensive wine regions, the Maule Valley boasts a rich viticultural heritage dating back to colonial times. Its diverse terroir, characterized by granite-based soils and a combination of warmer inland and cooler coastal sites, provides an ideal environment for Carménère to express its authentic characteristics.
• Pairing: Recommended for red meat, spaghetti with Bolognese sauce, and pork or lamb chops. It also pairs wonderfully with venison steaks from the grill, roast goose, or vegetarian pizza.

Overall impression:

This Carménère presents a smooth and opulent character, brimming with bright blueberry flavors gracefully layered over notes of dry leaf, chocolate, and a whisper of white pepper. It is a vibrant, well-balanced, and deeply flavorful red, offering both complexity and an inviting, easy-drinking appeal.

Extra notes:

• Invina, the producer of Luma Chequén, is a 100% family-owned enterprise that has been dedicated to investing in and developing vineyards within the Maule Valley since 2007, reflecting a deep commitment to Chilean viticulture.
• Carménère was famously mistaken for Merlot in Chile until DNA testing in 1994, leading Chile to become recognized as the modern hotspot for its cultivation and distinctive expression.
• The Luma Chequén Gran Reserva Carménère has received positive recognition, including a notable 91/100 score from Natalie MacLean, and has earned awards for its quality.