Origin
Casablanca Valley, close to the Pacific coast, was Chile's first genuine 'cool climate' area, heralding a new wave of fresh, lively, modern styles. Grapes are sourced from the coolest, westernmost reaches of the valley, a blend of 8 to 13 year old vines planted on decomposed granite, with a thin topsoil of red clay. Already famous for its aromatic whites, Casablanca is fast building a similar reputation for refined reds - especially Syrah and Pinot Noir.
Grape Variety
100% Syrah.
Hand harvested grapes are subject to whole cluster selection, before destemming and further, individual berry selection. Cold soaking precedes fermentation at controlled temperatures and 7 day maceration. Aged in a mix of new (60%) and second fill (40%) French oak barrels for 12 months, with a further 3 months aging once bottled.
Alcohol Percentage
14%
Cellar Potential
Drink now and over the next 2 years.
Producer
Casas del Bosque was founded in 1993 by Juan Cuneo Solari and was one of the first wineries in the Casablanca Valley. Today it is still family owned and managed by the same family - and they have acquired around 245 hectares of vines in Santa Rosa district, on the west side of the Casablanca Valley. Plantings include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Carmenère and Pinot Noir - all drip irrigated from subterranean wells.
The Casas del Bosque philosophy is based on the constant search for excellence, aligned to the finest expression of each grape variety’s character and sense of place.
Food Match
Ideal with lighter red meat and game dishes. Spot on with a leg or rack of lamb; try (seasonally) with pheasant - either oven roasted or in a casserole. Another option is breast of duck with a cinnamon sauce.
In the press
No. 5 in James Suckling's "Top 50 Great Value Wines under $50 2016" (2014 Vintage)
Winner of both the Syrah Trophy and "Best in Show" at the prestigious Annual Wines of Chile Awards, December 2014
Decanter Magazine: "Very ripe aromas. Spicy with blueberries, liquorice, smoked meat, notes of undergrowth and black olives."
Silver- International Wine and Spirit Competition 2014 (2014 Vintage)
Ana Lacuna Gran (verified owner) – :
Casas Del Bosque is a superb Syrah. I was a bit tentative about ordering this even though it received 5* from Decanter as it is labelled Syrah and not Shiraz, There is a large variation in styles of this grape in Chile, and I much prefer a Barossa stye to a Northern Rhone one. In my opinion this is more in the first camp than the second but also very smooth and so balanced and full of flavour.
Ruth Siwinski (verified owner) – :
My Go to Dinner party wine, everyone has a couple of sips and ends up commenting that its lovely or asking what it is. Value for money, all delicous pleaser
Paul (verified owner) – :
Really outstanding for the price, preferred this to more expensive new world shiraz that other outlets have recommended.