Santa Rita launches ‘secret’ blend

Santa Rita Estates has added two blended styles to its range in a move that the Chilean producer described as a break from its “traditional” image.

Already launched in Ireland, Secret Reserve will be available in the UK from the end of this month and is positioned between Santa Rita’s 120 and Reserva ranges with an RRP of around £10.

The white expression is a Riesling-led blend that also features Viognier, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, all grown in the Casablanca Valley.

“We see a lot of potential for Riesling in Casablanca; it’s a bit warmer than Sauvignon Blanc needs,” commented Santa Rita’s winemaker Carlos Gatica as he introduced the new tier. He described the blend as ideally suited to Sauvignon Blanc drinkers “looking for something a little more round, but with length and juiciness.”

Turning to the red, a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend including Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Carmenere from Maipo, Gatica outlined his aim to create a “fruity” style that still incorporates plenty of acidity and “a little bit of tannin”.

As for the decision to introduce this blended tier, Gatica outlined an aim “to move a little away from the traditional style of Santa Rita, which is known to be quite classical.”

In addition to the impact of blending different varieties in these two wines, Gatica highlighted the broad spread of exposures and characteristics offered by the component vineyard sites even within a single region.

Although noting that Chile’s entry level offerings tend to remain focused on a single grape variety, Gatica reported growing market demand for blended expressions in recent years.

“Everyone is seeing more demand in the market for balance so everyone is blending not only within valleys but across different valleys,” he observed.

The name and label design of Secret Reserve was inspired by an antique looking glass at Santa Rita’s historic Casa Real property. Marketing activity for the range will focus on the secrets that are said to be hidden behind the glass.

For more information, contact Tom Lethaby from the producer’s European office or email info@santaritaestateseurope.com