Clos des Fous 'Mr. Chile' Red Blend, Itata Valley, Chile

Bright, rustic, and full of Chilean character, the 2023 Clos des Fous ‘Mr. Chile’ Red Blend showcases a vibrant expression of Itata’s old bush vines. With its juicy fruit, savory spice, and refreshing energy, this wine celebrates tradition while capturing the adventurous spirit of one of Chile’s most innovative producers.

Product Details:

• Varietal Composition: 68% Cinsault, 22% País, 10% Carignan
• Vineyard: Multiple sites planted around 1965 (average vine age)
• Altitude: 620 ft
• Soil Type: Granite
• Trellis System: Bush vine
• Farming Practices: Lutte Raisonnée (sustainable, reasoned agriculture)
• Yield: 2.5 tons/acre
• Stem Inclusion: 20%
• Yeast: Native
• Élevage: Stainless steel
• Filtration: Light cartridge filtration
• Maceration / Fermentation: 4-day cold soak; 16-day fermentation
• Lees Contact: Minimal
• Alcohol Content: 13.5%
• Case Production (12-pack): 546
• Winemaker: Clos des Fous

Sensory Description:

Medium-bodied and ruby-hued, this wine opens with fragrant aromas of red cherry, wild raspberry, plum skin, and hints of dried herbs over a subtle floral lift. The palate is lively and fruit-forward, showing bramble fruit and dark berry compote edged by savory spice and a touch of earthiness. Soft tannins and fresh acidity provide balance, while the finish lingers with juicy fruit and a peppery kick that speaks to the old bush vines of Itata. Lightly rustic but polished, this is a wine made for pure enjoyment.

Winemaker's Background:

Clos des Fous was founded in 2008 by four friends, Pedro Parra, François Massoc, Paco Leyton, and Albert Cussen, who sought to redefine the image of Chilean wine. Rejecting industrial styles, they embraced “the Dark Side of the Moon,” crafting authentic wines from extreme terroirs with minimal intervention. Pedro Parra, world-renowned terroir specialist with a Ph.D. in precision agriculture, has consulted across Argentina, Oregon, Italy, France, Spain, Georgia, and Croatia with iconic vignerons like Jean-Marc Roulot. Together with François, an accomplished winemaker, the team has built one of South America’s most inspiring wineries. With vineyards across Malleco, Guarilihue, Alto Cachapoal, and Aconcagua, Clos des Fous focuses on expressing Chile’s unique landscapes through varieties like Cinsault, País, Carignan, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled (around 14–16 °C) to highlight its freshness. This red blend pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sausages, and lamb, as well as wild game dishes like venison or pheasant with spiced red cabbage. For cheese lovers, try it alongside Mild Cheddar or Smoked Gouda. Its versatility and juicy profile also make it a great companion for casual meals and gatherings.

By blending old-vine Cinsault, País, and Carignan from granitic soils, Clos des Fous has crafted a wine that honors Chile’s viticultural history while embracing a modern, terroir-driven approach. Fresh, fruit-forward, and deeply authentic, ‘Mr. Chile’ is both a tribute to tradition and a bold step forward for contemporary Chilean wine.