
Sercial is a white grape variety used to create medium-bodied sweet wines, such as Bual & Terrantez and Malvasia. Sercial is mainly grown in the island of Madeira, Portugal and is found in small quantities. After phylloxera ravished the vineyards in Madeira, the grape started to grow more widespread on Portugal’s mainland, where it is called Esgana or Esgana Cao. Sercial ripens late in the year, which contributes to the grape variety’s high acid level. The name Sercial is thought to be related with the Madeira style rather than the grape variety itself, and is a very acidic and light type of Madeira wine that takes the longest to mature. Sercial grapes are harvested late in the year and at least 20 years of aging is required for the vintage Sercial Madeiras wine. The long aging process makes sure that the acidity of the wine is toned down and softened. When the vintage wine is mature, the color has a yellowish tawny tone and is similar to the smell of vintage Riesling wines. Sercial is the driest type of Madeira, and can contain up to 1.5 percent residual sugar. Sercial is also growing in popularity because of its perfume flavors.
Carmo Vinhos Madeira Sercial 10 Yr is the driest style of Madeira, a light bodied wine with a distinctive nutty nose. An excellent apertif. The concentration at this age has produced a very attractive and interesting wine, with a long finish.
The Peumo Vineyard is located 170 m above sea level and extended along the Cachapoal River, on terraces of hills of the Coastal Mountains. The vines come from pre-phylloxera cuttings and are trellised to vertical shoot position and cordon pruned. The soils are deep with an upper layer of clay that retains moisture, which controls the vines’ vigor and growth and allows them to remain active through late May, when the Carmenere is picked.
Deep, dark red with hints of violet. Elegant and mineral on the nose, with notes of blackberry and a touch of blackcurrant. It fills the palate with underlying mature tannins. Deep, concentrated, with a long aftertaste and distinctive hints of the Peumo terroir. This 2018 vintage is characterized by its elegance and freshness; it is a wine with a lot of Carmenere character. Pairs best with elegant but simply prepared dishes such as juicy, rare roast beef, veal, pork tenderloin with roasted beets and cranberries, duck (cont or magret). Also delightful with squash-stuffed pasta with morel mushrooms or aged goat cheese with figs.
Review:
Carmín made its debut with the 2003 vintage, and since then it has come from a selection from Block 32, a sector of the vineyard in Peumo, on the banks of the Rapel River. Of its 28 hectares, seven are actually used and usually produce about 18,000 liters. The vineyards were planted in 1983 on stony clay soils on the hills that flank the Cachapoal River on its way to Lake Rapel. This was a cool year, and that's evident in the herbal notes and red fruits that fill the nose. The palate is generous in ripe red fruits, as well as in the herbal tones that refresh and add complexity at the same time. The texture is friendly, although it leaves room for a layer of very fine, sharp tannins that contribute tension, while the fruits and herbs continue their private party. We think this is the best version of Carmín that we have tried—far from the first Carmíns, which were tremendously ripe and extracted and far from this balance and elegance. Carmenere at the highest level.
-Patricio Tapia - Descorchados 98 Points
Siegel San Elias Merlot is 100 percent Merlot
Soft, rich and concentrated with juicy plum and blackberry fruits, soft tannins and a velvety texture.
Try with hearty stews, pasta and roast red meats.