Reta Romelio Malbec 2019

RETA Romelio Malbec 2019

Producer: RETA (Marcelo Retamal)
Region: Maule Valley, Chile
Classification: Dry red wine
Grape(s): Predominantly Malbec, from a field blend of red and white varieties
Vineyard: Planted in 1945 (own-rooted)
Altitude: 60 meters
Distance from Ocean: 36 km
Soil: Deeply weathered granite from the Coastal Range batholith
Farming: Dry-farmed, artisanal methods
Climate: Cool, with mild summers (below 30°C)

Vinification & Aging

• 40% whole cluster fermentation

• Long and delicate infusion for 30 days

• No sulfites added at any stage

• Aged for 27 months in used 228L French oak barrels (3rd and 4th use)

• Bottled unfiltered and without adjustments

Description

RETA Romelio 2019 is a tribute to Romelio, the farmer who planted this own-rooted vineyard in 1945. Made primarily from Malbec, with a mix of interplanted white and red varieties, this is not your typical South American Malbec — it’s wild, mineral, and driven by its granite soils and coastal freshness.

Vinified with no sulfites, the wine bursts with crushed blackberries, thyme, eucalyptus and ferrous energy. On the palate, it is firm and vertical, with grippy, gum-climbing tannins, vivid acidity, and a raw, long-lasting finish. A soulful, terroir-expressive red that captures the purity and diversity of Chile’s old vines.

Score

Jancis Robinson – 18+ points
“A mess of mashed berry juices with some thyme and eucalyptus thrown in. So much acid and flavour! Mouth-drying, gum-climbing tannin. The flavours seem to last forever.”

Suggested Pairings

• Beef empanadas

• Lamb stew with fresh herbs

• Grilled octopus with sweet potato

• Roasted root vegetables with spices

• Aged and semi-hard cheeses