Pale ruby color; cherry, strawberry, raspberry, red fruit, black tea, spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; smooth; low tannins and mild acidity. Light-medium body. Juicy, fruity, simple, relaxed pour. Not exceptionally long finish, but pleasant and longer than the light simple initial attack suggested. 13% ABV
Viña Quintay was founded in 2005 by several producers in the Casablanca Valley to produce sauvignon blanc. They since have expanded their line, evidenced by this pinot noir effort. Their “Clava” wines focus on optimal fruit purity and come from 100% estate grapes. Today, the Martin Weinstein Diaz family—Tapihue Wines—owns Viña Quintay, maintaining Chilean ownership.
The winery has a capacity of 400,000 liters (more than 105,000 gallons) in stainless steel tanks. Advanced technology allows for vinification in small volumes. They also have some 400 French oak barrels for aging. The winery’s strategy is to grow and produce in-house varietally correct wines to be sold at reasonable prices. This effort is an example.
Viña Quintay Clava Reserva Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley 2022 is simple but fundamentally sound PN. Will offend no one’s palate, so classic for serving to folks put off by big wines but want more than a white or rosé. Tasty red fruits. Mild tannins and acidity. Decent QPR (quality-price ratio). Can work as an aperitif; charcuterie board that includes cured meats, fresh fruits, light cheese. Pair with poultry; seafood; light fish; pork; lighter red meats; comfort food—pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, meatloaf, burgers; vegetarian fare Cheese—sheep’s milk and semi-soft cheeses; gruyère, comté, emmenthal, gouda, abbaye de belloc, zamarano, manchego. $17-20