Ever since my first visit to Chile with James in 2019, Matetic Winery has been on my radar. This organic and biodynamic boutique winery, which got its name from its Croatian family roots, is nestled in the picturesque Rosario Valley between San Antonio and Casablanca.
Last week I stumbled upon the Matetic Syrah Valle de San Antonio Corralillo 2017 here in Hong Kong, and I was thrilled. Unlike previous occasions when I had tasted the latest release, this time I saw a bottle that had a good few years of age and could show how it developed. So the decision was easy, and I shared a bottle with a friend that very evening.
I love syrah. And I appreciate the modern take on this varietal and the increased interest to it. In our various Top 100 reports of 2022, syrah was widely represented, not least because it has gone beyond its classic varietal characteristics in the last few years to encompass a wide variety of styles. Matetic takes this a step further by presenting itself as a “pioneer in cool-climate syrah in Chile.”
My expectations were met and surpassed with this 2017 Corralillo. The wine has really developed nicely over the past few years, and I found myself enjoying somewhat of a classic nose, reminiscent of northern Rhone Valley wines like those from the Cornas and Crozes-Hermitage regions.
It has aromas of dark chocolate and ground pepper mixed with earthiness and meaty undertones, of course, with a deep, dark-fruited backbone that reminds you where the wine comes from. The palate is broad and velvety with plush and well-integrated tannins and attractive succulence, and the finish is long and lingering.
The grapes for the wine were grown under optimal conditions in 2017. The warm growing season allowed a smooth and even ripeness and helped the grapes achieve the right phenolic levels so that they were healthy and concentrated, while maintaining enough acidity to lend the wine balance and tone.
In all, it’s one of the best Corralillo syrahs I have ever tasted, and I’m waiting for more!
– Andrii Stetsiuk, Associate Editor
