Palena Merlot

Palena produces Chile's most exquisite wines, making it one of the oldest wineries in the country. The winery first began producing wine in 1879. It was a sparkling wine, making it the first sparkling wine in South America. In the 1980s, Palena changed course and began producing red and white wines. This has been a resounding success, if we may say so ourselves. Palena invested in a new, modern winery and planted, among other varieties, the Merlot grape in the Maipo Valley. The climate there was perfect for a full-bodied and very smooth Chilean Merlot.

The harvest of the Merlot for the Palena

The Merlot grapes are thriving, thanks in part to the many hours of sunshine the bunches receive. The fresh breeze blowing from the Andes mountains through the Merlot vineyards contributes to the cooling effect. This cooling is essential for allowing the grapes to mature calmly and peacefully. When ripe, they are harvested in the morning and immediately transported to Palena. There, they are laid out on sorting tables to press only the finest bunches. The resulting juice is exceptionally pure and honest.

Wood aging for the Palena Merlot

After pressing, this Palena Merlot undergoes a short three-month oak aging in the Palena cellars. This gives the wine a little more depth and richness than its competitors. This grape gives this Palena its exceptionally smooth character. The nose reveals aromas of ripe plums, sweet spices, chocolate, and a delicate smoky touch. Truly delicious, what a refined wine. The palate, too, is very smooth, with a beautiful bouquet of hints of black fruit, sweet herbs, and jam. The ripe finish makes this Palena Merlot a wine for everyone.