`Cauquenina` Clos des Fous 2017

Clos des Fous is an exciting project between four Chilean friends: Pedro Parra (the viticulturalist), François Massoc and Paco Leyton (the winemakers), and Albert Cussen. ‘Fous’ is the French word for ‘crazy men’, a reference to what their peers described as their ‘craziness’ in crossing the traditional vineyard boundaries of Chile to source grapes from vineyards in the extreme conditions further south and east. The winery is based in Maule, to the south of the main vineyard area, where the ‘Fous’ make an enviable range of top quality varietal wines.

The Clos des Fous Cauquenina is a beautiful dark ruby-red colour with violet highlights. The nose is full of red berries, red currant, black cherry and blueberry, with black pepper, tea leaves and hints of violets. These all come through on the palate, with fresh black and red fruit, revealing a full-bodied wine with very fine tannins and the excellent acidity which enhances its liveliness and balance.

This wine pairs beautifully with full-flavoured dishes like grilled red meat and ribs. Cheese lovers are spoilt for choice here as hard cheeses such as Cheddar and Gouda work just as well as softer cheese like Gorgonzola and blue cheeses like Stilton.