La Ronciere Licanten Cabernet Franc 2018

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant.

La Ronciere winery, founded in Chile in 1949, is managed by the three brothers José Antonio, Andres, and Alejandro Orueta who have developed a particular study of the specific soils and terroirs to decide which grapes to plant in each area, using modern vine and vinification techniques to obtain wines of the highest quality. Years of research and a constructive approach have guided the successful effort which has seen the Licanten area achieve D.O. status in 2018.

The Cabernet Franc grapes, with small additions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, are harvested by hand from the ldahue vineyard, located in the Licanten wine region, a short distance from the Pacific Ocean and the Mataquito River. The fermentation lasts about 7 days at a controlled temperature and is followed by a maceration of about 30 days, to ensure maximum phenolic extraction. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 10 months.

This Cabernet Franc has an intense aromatic profile that reveals earthy and ripe red fruit notes (especially ripe cherries), followed by the peppercorn nuances typical of Cabernet Franc. On the palate, the wine shows round tannins and a lively acidity. The wine has a medium body, and its flavors are reminiscent of strawberries, prunes, and dried figs. The finish is persistent and recalls herbaceous notes. Try it with stuffed peppers.