Leonardo Erazo, Cinsault "Amigo Piedra", Itata Valley - 2019

Leonardo Erazo is one of my favorite new world winemakers - big fan of his ‘Rogue Vine’ wines, a project with his friend Justin, but I was excited to taste his solo label “grand cru” bottling, this old vine Cinsault! Leonardo’s wines are transparent, elegant, & focused on highlighting the incredible terroir of the Itata Valley. The Valley itself is 200 million yrs old & home to ancient dry-farmed bush vines cooled by Pacific winds that create concentrated & expressive wines. The vines for this Cinsault date back to the 1970’s. Leonardo’s biodynamic & minimalistic approach to winemaking lets the grape but also the granitic soil shine. Dried red berry, savory herbs, and of course slicing granite minerality create yet another hit from Erazo. Pair with gamey meats or cazuela, a hearty Chilean stew made with lamb or beef.