Initials by Viña Indómita Gran Reserva Malbec, Biobío Valley, Chile, 2023/24

A distinctive Malbec from Chile’s finest regions. Viña Indómita are one of Chile’s leading producers, with vineyards throughout the country. This Gran Reserva Malbec is sourced from the exceptional Biobío Valley, which lies 500 kilometres south of Santiago. Influenced by both the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, Biobío’s diverse soils – ranging from clay and sand to weathered volcanic ash – give a unique complexity to the wines. The valley’s temperate Mediterranean style climate creates ideal conditions for producing Malbec with really distinctive character. Winemaker Diego Covarrubias moved to the coastal Casablanca Valley in 2017 to lead Viña Indómita’s projects in the Casablanca, Maipo and Biobío Valleys. He brings a meticulous approach to the winemaking process, always using entirely destemmed grapes and, for this particular wine allowing cold maceration followed by a 15 to 21 day fermentation in specialised conical tanks to enhance the fruit’s natural flavours. The wine is then aged for 10 months in oak giving rich, velvety depth. How does it taste? Expect complex layers of white pepper, black tea and violet, backed by blueberries, wild herbs and a touch of volcanic minerality. With round, smooth tannins and a medium, silky body, this is a deep and lingering wine. Perfect with game meats, lamb, rich pasta sauces, or mature cheeses.