Region: Cauquenes, Maule, Chile

Varietal: Carignan 33%, Pais 22%, Portugais Bleu 12%, Petite Sirah 12%, Syrah 10%, Malbec 6%, Cinsault 5%

Tasting notes: This blend from the Maule show notes of leather, cassis, black tar, blackberry, crused walnuts, and a hint of Eucalyptus on the nose. Fig and blueberry syrup on the palate with touches of powdered sugar and some spice. This wine has depth and layers that continue to an extremely long finish.

Producer: Clos des Fous was founded in 2008 by Pedro Parra, Francois Massoc, Paco Leyton and Albert Cussen.  The four friends were tired of hearing that Chilean wine was all boring, industrial, green, and overripe so they set out in search of the Dark Side of the Moon.  Francois and Pedro are longtime friends, akin to brothers, and both have spent much time abroad making wine and working vineyards in Europe.  Clos des Fous’ philosophy is to produce wines with tension, from grapes grown in extreme terroir,  with minimal intervention in the winery.

Vineyard and Winemaking: Clos des Fous owns and manages vineyards in Malleco, Guarilihue, Alto Cahapoal, and Western Aconcagua.  They produce a variety of wines and work with multiple iterations of Pinot Noir, Cinsault, Pais, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling at their winery in Cauquenes, Maule.  Pedro Parra has a Masters degree in precision agriculture and a Ph.D. for his work with terroir.  Pedro currently consults as a terroir specialist around the globe in Argentina, Oregon, Italy, France, Spain, Georgia, Croatia, and beyond working with world renowned vignerons like Jean Marc Roulot.  Clos des Fous is one of Chile’s most innovative, inspiring, and authentic wineries producing some of the most exciting wines in South America.