A FOCUS ON... TerraNoble (Chile)

01/02/2023
When it comes to wine, Chile feels a bit like a hidden gem - although it's certainly worth noting though that it is actually the 7th biggest producer of wine in the world though, ahead of places like Germany and Australia...

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Central Valley, TerraNoble Winery is a standout among the many vineyards in the region. Since it was founded at the very end of the last millenium, TerraNoble has quickly established itself as one of the premier wineries in Chile, producing top-quality wines that have garnered awards and accolades from wine lovers and experts around the world.

The most striking thing about TerraNoble when you first investigate (all from online research, unfortunately I haven't been lucky enough to visit) is the stunning scenery. It's surrounded by rolling hills dotted with vineyards. It's these breathtaking landscapes of the Maule and Casablanca valleys that have a profound impact on the wine produced there. The warm and dry climate of the Maule valley, combined with its fertile soil and abundant sunlight, creates the perfect conditions for growing a wide range of wine grapes. Meanwhile, the cooler, coastal climate of the Casablanca valley provides ideal growing conditions for white wine grapes, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, producing wines with bright acidity and fresh, fruity flavors. The rolling hills and valleys of both regions provide natural drainage system for the vineyards, ensuring that the grapes receive an ideal balance of water and nutrients to produce high-quality wine. Additionally, the unique microclimates found throughout the valleys allow TerraNoble to craft wines with distinct regional character, further emphasizing the impact of the landscape on the wine.

They're renowned for their exceptional Carmeneres, and the CA1 and CA2 varieties are two of their most popular offerings. Carmenere is a grape variety originally from Bordeaux, France, but it has become a signature wine of Chile. The CA1 is a bold, full-bodied Carmenere with rich, intense flavors of dark fruit and spice. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a long, lingering finish, making it the perfect wine to enjoy with a hearty meal. The CA2, on the other hand, is a lighter and more fruit-forward Carmenere, with bright flavors of red berry and plum. It has a crisp acidity and a bright, fresh finish, making it a great choice for sipping on its own or with lighter fare. Whether you prefer bold or bright, the CA1 and CA2 Carmeneres from TerraNoble winery are both exceptional examples of this unique Chilean wine.

But TerraNoble is not just about red wine. The winery also produces a variety of white wines, including a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and a rich and buttery Chardonnay. The TerraNoble Reserva Sauvignon Blanc is a particular standout, with its bright and zesty flavors of citrus and green apple. It's the perfect wine for sipping on a warm summer day or pairing with a light meal.

One of the things that sets TerraNoble apart from other wineries is its commitment to sustainability. The winery is powered by solar panels, and they use environmentally friendly practices in all aspects of their operation, from growing grapes to bottling wine. TerraNoble is committed to producing top-quality wines while also taking care of the land and the environment. In 2019 they obtained the Sustainable Wine of Chile certification, and joined the Wine in Moderation program (this promotes a responsible consumption of wine) and in 2020 they were granted V-Label certification that guarantees that the wines they make are suitable for vegan consumption.

We're offering 10% off all TerraNoble wines throughout February 2023. So have a browse of what's in stock and try some of these excellent value wines this month!

Reserva Carmenere: since the foundation of TerraNoble, Carmenere is the variety to which they dedicate the greatest efforts. Made with carefully selected grapes from their flagship vineyard in the area of San Clemente in the Maule Valley, the wine highlights the ripe black fruit, soft spicy notes, and tobacco leaves.

Reserva Chard : from grapes harvested in the vineyard in the Las Dichas sector of the Casablanca Valley, an elegant and aromatically intense nose with fresh tropical fruits such as pineapple and citrus.

Reserva Pinot Noir : again, from grapes from the Las Dichas vineyards (Casablanca Valley) this wine has delicious notes of fresh red fruits, soft tannins and vibrant acidity.

Gran Reserva Pinot Noir : harvested by hand during the last week of February - remember, the harvest is on the opposite side of the calendar in the Southern hemisphere - after reaching a correct ripeness during the warm season. Delicious notes of fresh red fruits, the palate is fresh, fruity, with soft tannins and vibrant acidity.

CA1: their flagship variety. The wine is made with grapes from Los Lingues vineyard at the foothills of the Andes Mountains in the Colchagua Valley. Fresh and refreshing wine with intense aromas of red fruits, slight herbaceous notes and red paprika that allow us to recognize the variety. With round tannins, the finish is long with good persistence that maintains its freshness.

CA2: an alternative expression of high quality Carmenere, made with grapes from our vineyard in Marchigue, Colchagua Valley. It stands out for its elegance and fruity characteristics, a mixture of red and black fruits. Fresh, full of life and aromas, it is a vibrant Carmenere, with good balance and a long finish.

Reserva Especial Carmenere: deep red color, unfolds on the with nose black fruits, especially blackberries, and soft toasted notes. It offers big and round tannins and a good structure on the palate.

Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon: due to its concise fruit acidity, the Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon reveals itself wonderfully fresh and lively on the palate. The finale of this youthful red wine from the Valle Central wine-growing region captivates with a beautiful aftertaste.