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Merino

Rene Merino
Country of Origin: Chile
Location: Limarí Valley
People: René Merino, Owner | José Pablo Martin, Winemaker
Supplier: http://www.vineconnections.com


Rene credits his wife for helping him discover his passion for creating amazing wines. Many years ago his wife gave him as a present a tasting course with one of the leading experts in Chile. He realized there was much more to wine than just drinking it. Later, when he was studying for his MBA, one of his fellow students asked what he would like to do in the future. His answer, out of the blue, was to have a winery. He soon discovered a farm that he had already invested in would be ideal for planting vines. The experts at the time were sure the quality was going to be excellent. A couple of weeks after that discovery he began the winery and never looked back.

Rene is an unusual winery owner as he is a surgeon by trade who also received an MBA. When he realized he was going to dedicate his life to wine, he received a Diploma in Viticulture and Winemaking at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, where he is currently a professor. Rene served two terms as the President of Wines of Chile, from 2007-2011.

The winemaker is José Pablo Martin, one of the most exciting young winemakers in Chile, who has worked with top Chilean and French producers.

Location: Limarí is located at the most narrow point of Chile (less than 60 miles). The cooling Camanchaca fog creeps into the valley from the Pacific Ocean each morning and the Andes drives low temperatures in the evenings. The short, cool days (with limestone soil) make it perfect for Chardonnay and cool-climate Syrah with a distinct mineral edge.

YouTube Videos
Merino - Limarí Valley

Social Media
Twitter: @rmerinob63
Items
Merino 2012 'Limestone Hill' Chardonnay, Limarí Valley Net Price Reviews —
Merino 2012 Chardonnay, Limarí Valley Net Price Reviews —
Merino 2012 Syrah, Limarí Valley Net Price Reviews —
Reviews
Merino 2012 'Limestone Hill' Chardonnay, Limarí Valley
Rating: 87

Resiny oak, cinnamon and white-fruit aromas are solid. This is juicy and minerally in the mouth, with plenty of barrel weight for cushion. Flavors of apple, citrus and oak finish minerally but with some dilution of flavor. Drink during 2014. 

- The Wine Enthusiast (3/1/2014)

Merino 2012 'Limestone Hill' Chardonnay, Limarí Valley
Rating: 91

Hazy, green-tinged yellow. Ripe melon, nectarine and honey on the nose and palate. Fleshy and smooth in texture, with notes of orange and iodine building with air. Finishes with a subtle spiciness and impressive focus and tenacity.

- International Wine Cellar (2/1/2014)

Merino 2012 Chardonnay, Limarí Valley
Rating: 89

Light, hazy yellow. Fresh pear and melon on the nose and palate, with subtle floral and iodine qualities. Gains complexity with air, picking up anise and white pepper notes. Brisk citrus and orchard fruit flavors linger on the focused, nicely persistent finish.

- International Wine Cellar (2/1/2014)

Merino 2012 Syrah, Limarí Valley
Rating: 91

Imagine a blender filled with fresh-picked blackberries. This smells & tastes like those berries after they’ve been pureed, as vibrant as it is soft & juicy. Added to that gentle, smooth feel, there’s a hint of meatiness giving the wine extra power & complexity.

- Wine & Spirits (2/1/2014)

Merino 2012 Syrah, Limarí Valley
Rating: 89

Bright purple. Cherry, mocha, licorice and violet on the nose. Fresh and energetic, with strong lift to its blackberry and licorice flavors. Finishes with sweet, silky tannins, good focus and a faintly bitter medicinal character.

- International Wine Cellar (2/1/2014)