Intriga has a very long history, founded by Don Alejandro Reyes, one of the pioneers of Chilean viticulture. He initially named the estate and his wine Linderos and brought European grape varieties to Chile. This proved a great success, and other wineries followed. Yet, Alejandro remained one of the first and found the perfect vineyard for his Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, the vineyard is part of Montgras, which has invested heavily in the beautiful vineyard and in modern winemaking techniques. Naturally, while maintaining the traditions Don Alejandro envisioned. Today, some 150 years later, the vineyard remains in its original state, and the old vines produce some of the most beautiful bunches in the Maipo Valley. This red Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon is simply the pride of Chile.
The old Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard of Intriga
The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes truly get everything they need: plenty of sunshine in Chile's hot summers, and plenty of coolness. This coolness comes from the wind that constantly blows through the vineyard. The falling nighttime temperatures, which are also extreme in the vineyard, provide the grapes with more than enough coolness. This results in a long and even ripening process, during which all the bunches are harvested by hand. Each bunch for this red Intriga is thoroughly inspected, and only the finest are used in this top-notch red wine from Montgras.
Wood aging for the Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon
Once the grapes are harvested in the morning, they are transported in small crates to Montgras, where a gentle pressing awaits. The black juice then matures for a full 23 to 24 months in oak barrels, approximately 60 percent of which are new and unused. This makes this Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon a truly full-bodied, powerful wine. Wow, what a full-bodied wine, and for this price! We open the bottle and immediately smell a more powerful aroma of black fruit, accompanied by spices and notes of vanilla and plum. A deep ruby red color that is beautiful in the glass. The nose reveals aromas of black and red fruit, combined with a hint of vanilla thanks to well-integrated oak and some spicy notes. The palate of this Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon is complex, deep, and powerful. Layers of black cherry and red fruit are surrounded by elegant toasted oak. Firm tannins provide structure, strength, and a long finish.
2020
