Caballo Loco Grand Cru Apalta 2023 vs Iona Pinot Noir 2023
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications. One of these is currently out of stock across tracked merchants.
| Availability | Out of stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | — | £28.99 |
| Current stockists | — | 1 merchant |
| Producer | Vina Valdivieso | Iona |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon | Pinot Noir |
| Country | Chile | — |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy | No current tracked offers |
Caballo Loco Grand Cru Apalta 2023
Caballo Loco Grand Cru Apalta is an exceptional single-terroir red wine from Viña Valdivieso, sourced exclusively from a specific block within the prestigious Apalta sub-valley in Chile's Central Valley. Inspired by the French Grand Cru system, this wine celebrates the unrepeatable character of its origin, crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere grown in conditions that cannot be replicated anywhere else in Chile . Why You'll Love It Apalta is one of Chile's most celebrated wine-growing sub-valleys, a warm, sheltered amphitheatre of old vines in Colchagua that consistently produces wines of extraordinary concentration and complexity. Caballo Loco Grand Cru Apalta captures the very best of this exceptional terroir, combining the structure and depth of Cabernet Sauvignon with the distinctive spice and dark fruit character of Carmenere. The result is a wine of real power and elegance, built to impress and to age. Vineyard & Production Grapes are sourced from a specific block within the Apalta sub-valley, selected for the uniqueness and quality of their terroir. The wine is crafted using the same philosophy as the original Caballo Loco, a progressive blending approach inspired by the solera method used in sherry production, combining the current vintage with previous editions to build extraordinary layers of complexity and depth. Bottled at 14.5% ABV. Tasting Notes Deep ruby in the glass. The nose is intense and inviting, with aromas of black fruits, currants, chocolate, and vanilla. The palate is complex and well-rounded, with silky tannins, notes of dark fruit, spice, and a long, lingering finish of real elegance and power. Perfect Pairings An outstanding partner for beef, lamb, and game dishes with rich, hearty sauces. Also excellent alongside strong cheeses and slow-cooked red meat dishes. Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere
Iona Pinot Noir 2023
Nestled at 420 m above sea level in the cool-climate Elgin Valley, Iona Winery produces some of South Africa’s finest Pinot Noir. Founded by Andrew Gunn, the estate benefits from a long growing season and ideal conditions for cool-climate viticulture, resulting in wines that are elegant, complex, and expressive of their terroir. Organic and biodynamic principles guide the vineyard management, ensuring healthy soils, minimal intervention, and natural pest control with a resident flock of geese. Iona Pinot Noir has gained recognition for its refined structure, vibrant acidity, and age-worthy potential, making it a standout among premium South African wines. Viticulture Iona employs organic practices across its vineyards, with minimal intervention during the growing season. Grapes are hand-harvested to ensure only the best fruit is selected for the wines. Winemaking Grapes are hand-harvested into small crates and spent overnight in a cold room. Extensive hand sorting is carried out prior to destemming, which is performed without crushing. The grapes undergo a cold soak for 5–7 days before natural fermentation in open-top fermenters. Gentle punch downs and pump overs are performed twice daily as required, with fermentation temperatures peaking at 28°C. The wine is then transferred to 300 L French oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation occurs (20% new oak, remainder in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fill). Maturation lasts 15 months on the lees. Following barrel ageing, wines from Kroon and Beeskamp vineyards are blended 50/50 in stainless steel tanks and clarified naturally for two months before bottling. Tasting Note The wine is perfumed with a floral nose of rose petals, black and red cherries, strawberries, and subtle spice. On the palate it is textured, succulent, and complex, with vibrant acidity and fine-grained, chalky tannins, culminating in a long, savoury finish. A classic, focused Pinot Noir with excellent ageing potential. Food Matching Pairs beautifully with Beef Bo
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