We enlist the help of our friend Chris, who has spent most of the last decade trekking around the world, living the dream, battling against the elements, unimaginable challenges, dodgy electrics, bridges that barely hold together... all with the help of his V8 Dodge truck, when it's not being fixed using dubious means by local mechanics! So, who better to get us down the Pan-American highway to Chile?

We arrive in this great wine region to taste Carmeñere, much of which was originally thought to have been Merlot, but has now developed its own strong identity as arguably the definitive red grape of Chile. Santa Alba are part of the Survalles group, a family-owned winery started in the 1960s by Santiago Achurra. 

Portions of the video © Wines of Chile

In 1993, Francisco Achurra and Patricio Larrain began searching for
new terroirs in which they could produce a wider range of varieties and styles.
‘Alto Roble’ means ‘tall oak tree’, representing strength, stability and nobility,
something they aim to reflect in their wines. Winemaking is led by Eloísa Uribe,
who has extensive experience including several years in the Sonoma Valley and
Bordeaux and has been working at Alto Roble exclusively since 2002

This wine exhibits a deep red color with violet highlights. The nose shows expressive
notes of blackberry, blond tobacco and a spicy touch. With a smooth mouth entry,
the palate confirms the nose’s flavours and shows medium-body, well-balanced
tannins and a pleasant finish.

Grape: Carmenere

Region: Valle Central

Country: Chile

ABV: 13%

Vintage: 2023