Matetic vineyards embody the pioneering spirit and vision of modern Chilean winemaking. This biodynamic project was founded in 1999 by the Matetic family, originally Croatian settlers who arrived in Chilean Patagonia in 1892. They went on to develop 120 hectares of vineyard in the coastal El Rosario Valley of San Antonio before branching out into the Colchagua Valley. Today, they farm 160 hectares of certified organic and biodynamic vineyards, focusing on cool-climate varieties. The vineyard is treated as one organism, with the application of biodynamic compost (all of which is made on the estate), seeding cover crops, and cultivation between the rows. Geese and ducks do their work to control pests and limit undergrowth.
The winery was designed in collaboration with the architect Lawrence Odfjell and built in 2004 and relies on a gravitational flow design that optimises management of the grapes brought in from the nearby vineyards, which complements the organic and biodynamic principles that are followed at the estate.
The grapes are harvested from vineyard plots that have two common characteristics: both are located on slopes with different sun exposure, where the predominant soils are of granitic origin with quartzite rocks and clay, low fertility and excellent drainage. The main type of Syrah clone is 174; it produces aromatic, balanced wines with a long lasting taste. Adding a small amount of clone 470, the wine gains concentration and long silky tannins.
Different techniques of destemming and crushing were used, plus a portion of whole clusters to increase the complexity and body. The grapes had a 10-day pre-fermentation maceration at 6ºC and then fermented at different temperatures with native yeasts. Different punchdown and pumpover techniques were used, depending on the stage and condition of the wine during fermentation. The new wine was racked to carefully selected French oak barrels and aged for 16 months.
The Corralillo Syrah is a vivid red with a deep pink-purple tints. Layers of black fruit aromas, with hints of red cherry, Victoria plum, raspberries, violets and pepper while chocolate notes from the oak combine with the spiciness to create balance. The palate shows great finesse with intense black cherry, blueberries, blackberries with a whiff of smoke. Finely structured, intense and complex; balanced, with long tannins and a lingering finish.
