Maurizio Castelli, Andrés Sánchez & Aglicanico del Maule
On our last visit to Chile’s Locomilla valley we visited Andrés Sánchez at the Gillmore winery. During our visit Andrés showed us his experimental plots of 18 Italian varieties that he brought to Chile with Maurizio Castelli in 2010. Now, years later, he is making wines in Chile from those varieties, and we recently had the opportunity to taste them. The results are impressive. The three wines we evaluate below are among the best wines we’ve had from Italian varieties grown outside Italy. The Vermentino and Aglianico both show good varietal character. We can’t wait to try Andrés’ Sagrantino.
US Importer: Global Vineyards
The Wines
Gillmore 2021 Vermentino del Maule Valle del Locomilla ($18) 91 Bright, clear pale yellow. Fresh scents of herbs and citrus on the nose. Smoothly textured with gripping concentration of yellow and green citrus on the mid-palate and an overall sensation of stony minerals. Finishes with lingering rich extract. 13.5% alc.
Gillmore 2020 Aglianico del Maule Valle del Locomilla ($20) 92 Semi-opaque ruby red fading to red at the rim. Scents of black fruit with notes of forest floor and bay leaf on the nose. Dry and firmly tannic on the palate with good concentration on the mid-palate and significant extract on a long, long finish. Delicious now with the right (grilled meats) food and will be even better with another year or two of aging. Dry farmed, hand harvested, fermented in stainless steel, and matured in oak 18 months. 14.5% ac.
Gillmore 2020 Collezione del Maule Valle de Locomilla ($20) 91 This wine shows its Italian roots from the get-go. Aromas and flavors of earthy red and dark red fruit are enlivened by bright acidity, good depth of flavor and a lingering sense of freshness. A blend of dry-farmed Montepulciano, Sagrantino, Primitivo, Cesanese, and Dolcetto. Matured in oak for 12 months. 13.4% alc.
Source : https://i-winereview.com/blog/index.php/2023/03/18/vina-gilmore-a-bit-of-italy-in-chile/
