Imagine finding a ridiculously affordable wine with a fresh and pure flavor profile that never disappoints. And think about discovering a winery that consistently utilizes organic practices in the vineyard as a significant element for quality. Intrigued? Look no further than Veramonte in Chile. For more than 25 years, Veramonte has been recognized in Chile and across the globe for its excellent wines.
Veramonte is located in Casablanca and their original vineyards were farmed in a nearby valley, an area unknown to anyone in the wine industry when planted in the late 1990s. By all accounts, Veramonte was the first winery to “invest seriously in the area.” The project expanded later into other valleys and brands, with vineyards in the renowned winemaking regions of Casablanca, optimal for whites and cool-climate reds, and Colchagua with its warmer climes ideal for red wines.
Photo credit: Veramonte
The Veramonte team follows organic practices in all of their estates with the mission to offer optimal conditions for vine development so that all are sustainable over time. The result of these efforts is the creation of “living balanced soils” that help produce high quality grapes reflecting terroir. Compost application, the use of cover crops to improve soil structure, reduce erosion and fix nutrients, and canopy management by pruning are employed. Also, mechanical weed control as opposed to the use of herbicides, habitat breaks to provide diversity and a natural ecosystem, and husbandry through the use of sheep are organic strategies at Veramonte.
Sent as samples were three organic wines from Veramonte. Priced at $14, each is perfect for every day sipping or for serving at an elegant dinner party.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 was of grapes cultivated in the Colchagua Valley. Expressive and intense, the wine spent 8 months in neutral oak. The nose burst with aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, vanilla spice and soft leather while the palate offered more spice, cassis, moderate acidity and satin-like tannins. Structured and elegant, our family chose to open the bottle with hearty cheeseburgers still sizzing from the grill, but it would have been luscious with hearty enchiladas, too.
A decadent, rich delight one evening was Carmenere 2020 from the Colchagua Valley. Intense aromas of blackberries, rosemary, hint of thyme and black plums were mesmerizing. On the palate, notes of cracked pepper, more black fruits and spice were lifted by bright acidity and firm tannins. The wine was aged for 8 months in 15% neutral oak. I couldn’t have asked for a better complement to sips of this Carmenere than a spicy chorizo paella.
Veramonte is proud to partner with the non-profit organization, Kiss the Ground created to focus efforts on healthy soils and create a symbiotic relationship with the earth. The organization promotes Regenerative Agriculture, which goes hand in hand with what we have been doing for years in our vineyards. They believe in farming principles and practices that aim to increase biodiversity, enrich soils, improve watersheds and enhance ecosystem services, eventually increasing yields and higher health and vitality for farming communities. Together we hope to promote Regenerative Agriculture and inform on the best practices to have a healthy ecosystem and we will donate to the cause for every bottle of Veramonte sold.” Vinedos Veramonte
Cheers! ~ Cindy
If you have time to read one more article, read this: Reinvention, Renewal, Renaissance – It’s Time to Rediscover the Wines of Chile
