Maquis Viola Carménère/Cabernet Franc 2009

Maquis Viola Carménère/Cabernet Franc 2009 is a rare, cellar‑worthy red from one of Colchagua Valley’s most historic estates in Chile. Crafted from tiny, intensely flavored berries selected from the very best parcels, it delivers a deeply layered yet beautifully refined expression of Carmenère with a lift of Cabernet Franc. Produced in very limited quantities and now largely reserved for top Michelin-starred restaurants through Bordeaux négociants, this vintage has become increasingly difficult to find on the open market.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this 2009 Maquis Viola shows a deep, vibrant ruby core with garnet reflections at the rim, reflecting its careful aging. The nose is complex and inviting, opening with blackberries, ripe blackcurrants and dark cherries, followed by notes of dried herbs, black pepper, vanilla, cocoa and a subtle hint of toasted hazelnut and tobacco from its extended French oak maturation. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet extraordinarily silky, with the Carmenère (85%) giving plush dark fruit, soft green herbal nuances and sweet spice, while the Cabernet Franc (15%) contributes freshness, aromatic lift and finesse on the finish. Fine-grained, velvety tannins frame flavors of ripe black fruit, baking spices, cedar, and a touch of roasted nuts, leading to a long, elegant, savory finish. Already beautifully integrated and harmonious, the 2009 is drinking wonderfully now but still has the structure to age gracefully until around 2028, gaining further tertiary complexity along the way.

Production
The fruit for Maquis Viola 2009 is sourced from the heart of Viña Maquis’ prime vineyards in the Colchagua Valley, uniquely situated between the Tinguiririca River and the Chimbarongo Creek. This setting channels cooling coastal breezes through the valley, moderating summer heat and preserving aromatic freshness in the grapes. Vines grow in deep alluvial soils with a two‑metre layer of clay over well-draining gravel, conditions that naturally limit berry size, concentrate flavor and help develop Maquis’ signature elegant tannins while taming the green herbal notes of Carmenère early in the season. Grapes are painstakingly hand-harvested and then hand-sorted berry by berry, ensuring only the absolute best fruit makes it into this highly limited cuvée. After careful vinification aimed at purity and balance, the wine is aged for 24 months in French oak, allowing spice, texture and complexity to integrate seamlessly without overwhelming the character of the fruit.

Food & Serving
This is a sophisticated, food-friendly red that pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, slow-braised beef short ribs, roast duck, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin. Its herbal and spicy nuances also complement dishes with rosemary, thyme, sage, roasted bell peppers, mushrooms and Mediterranean-style vegetables, while aged hard cheeses like Comté or Manchego make an excellent finishing match. Serve at 16–18°C to highlight its aromatic complexity and supple texture. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to fully open up the bouquet and soften any remaining youthful edges, especially if enjoyed on the earlier side of its drinking window.

Producer
Viña Maquis is one of the oldest and most storied wine estates in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, with roots in viticulture dating back to the 18th century when the property belonged to Jesuit priests. Over the centuries it has passed through notable hands, including two Chilean presidents in the 19th century, before being acquired by the Hurtado family in 1916, who have guided it through four generations of dedicated winegrowing. The estate’s early 20th‑century concrete winery, built in 1927 by engineer Ignacio Hurtado, was among the first of its kind in Chile and remains an emblem of Maquis’ forward-thinking approach. A major vineyard restructuring and the construction of a modern winery in 2002 allowed the family to refine terroir expression and elevate quality, particularly for red varieties like Carmenère and Cabernet Franc. Today, Maquis is widely regarded as a benchmark producer in Colchagua, with top cuvées such as Viola and Franco earning high international scores and a coveted presence on the wine lists of leading Michelin-starred restaurants around the world.

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