Ventisquero Wine Estates, 'Pangea', Syrah, 2016

Ventisquero means glacier, paying homage to Chile's icy mountains in Patagonia. Innovative and passionate, Ventisquero strive to create wines reflective of Chile's unique climate and land.

Pangea is the work of winemaker Felipe Tosso and John Duval, of Penfold's Grange fame, carefully selecting specific Syrah parcels in Apalta. A distinguished Syrah with intense, dark colour, Pangea intermingles red and blueberries harmoniously with spice, black pepper, dark chocolate, and vanilla and caramel. Beautifully structured, at this elegant wine is complex, with good aging potential.

The grapes first underwent a pre-fermentative low-temperature maceration for 5-7 days to bring out the maximum colour and aromas. Then the grapes were fermented in small 3-5-tonne stainless steel tanks and open 1-2-tonne vats. The fermentation took place at between 22°C and 26°C. Next came a post-fermentative maceration for at least 15 days. The malolactic fermentation took place in barrels with native yeast, to lend greater complexity to the wine.

This wine had extended ageing, maturing for 22 months in extra-fine French oak barrels - half in new barrels and the other half in second-use. Each component of the wine was kept separate until the blend was made 2 weeks prior to bottling. The wine was then bottle-aged for at least 18 months. Pangea is neither clarified nor filtered, so over time a sediment may appear

Pangea pairs well with grilled meat, lamb and game.