Sena 2022 Vina Sena

Tasting Notes

Aromas of black currant and black plum come to the forefront, underpinned by notes of graphite and fresh green herbs characteristic of the Carmenère variety. There is a faint hint of cedar, typical of French oak, but it remains subtle. On the palate, the tannins are dense with a chalky texture, and the minerality is reminiscent of iron, characteristic of the Ocoa slopes. The finish is long, with umami notes rather than sweetness. The wine can be enjoyed now after letting it breathe a bit; however, judging by its structure, it is designed for further aging.

Grape Varieties

In the 2022 vintage, as is always the case at Seña, Cabernet Sauvignon plays the leading role (60%). Malbec (25%0 contributes a richness of dark fruit. Carmenère (9%) adds local notes reminiscent of herbs and pepper, allowing this wine to transcend the simple “Bordeaux style.” Petit Verdot contributes for 6%.

Cellaring Potential

Best enjoyed between 2027 and 2042. The 2022 vintage has dense tannins and acidity that allow for long-term aging; however, it will take 5 years for the oak notes to mellow and the fruity bouquet to unfold. Store horizontally at a temperature of 12–14 °C. After 2035, the blackcurrant aroma will fade, and notes of tobacco, leather, and cedar will come to the fore.

The Producer

The history of “Seña” began in 1991, when Eduardo Chadwick accompanied Robert Mondavi on a road trip through various regions of Chile. Mondavi’s advice was clear: “If you want Chile to appear on the world wine map, make wines in the Bordeaux style.” Over the next four years, a search for the optimal plots was conducted, and the first vintage was released in 1995. At the 2004 Berlin Wine Tasting, the 2001 “Seña” came second, beaten only by the 2000 Château Lafite Rothschild and finishing ahead of Château Margaux and Château Latour, which cemented its reputation once and for all. Since no other Chilean winery has achieved such success, our store continues to include wines from this winery in its selection.

Terroir & Climate

The “Seña” vineyards are located in the hilly terrain above Ocoa, about 40 kilometers inland from the coast. Thanks to their relatively close proximity to the coast, every afternoon the vineyards are swept by cool air from the Pacific Ocean, carried by the Humboldt Current, which lowers the temperature. Without this breeze, the valley would be too hot to produce high-quality wine. The soil is a mixture of weathered granite, colluvial deposits, and volcanic rock; it is well-drained, which encourages the grapevines’ roots to penetrate deeply. It is precisely this stress that gives the wine its structure and freshness. Since 2005, biodynamic farming methods have been used here.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand, after which they are sorted and destemmed. Fermentation takes place mainly in stainless steel tanks, while a portion of the grapes is fermented in concrete tanks. Stainless steel preserves the pure flavor of the berries, while concrete imparts a moderate texture to the wine without the influence of oak. Aging lasts 18 to 22 months in French oak barrels. New barriques (225-liter Bordeaux barrels) are primarily used, while some of the wine is aged in foudres (large oak barrels). The use of foudres is a wise decision in this case. It gives the wine structure without overpowering the fruity notes with aromas of vanilla or toasted bread.

Food Pairing

Tannins require fats and proteins to balance them out. Here are a few dishes that pair well with this wine:

• Chilean “asado”: beef ribs roasted over charcoal. Their smoky aroma pairs perfectly with Carmenère
• “Cordero al palo”: lamb on a spit. A classic pairing typical of this region
• “Côte de bœuf” with shallots. A simple and straightforward pairing
• Hard cheeses, such as aged “Manchego.” Their umami softens the tannins

Serve at 17 °C. Decant the wine one hour before serving. Allow extra time for this, especially with the 2022 vintage.