Laberinto 'Cenizas' Pinot Noir, Maule Valley, Chile

From the volcanic heart of Chile’s Maule Valley emerges the 2024 Laberinto “Cenizas” Pinot Noir, a wine as captivating as the landscape it’s born from. Crafted by the visionary Rafael Tirado, this single-vineyard Pinot reflects both the ash-rich soils of Colbún and the pioneering spirit that has defined his work since the 1990s. At 1,800 feet above sea level, where cool mountain air sweeps across the vines he planted himself in 1998, the fruit ripens slowly, yielding a wine that balances power and precision, a silky expression of volcanic energy captured in liquid form.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Rafael Tirado
• Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vineyard: Single estate vineyard planted in 1998
• Elevation: 1,800 ft
• Soil: Volcanic ash and granite
• Farming Practices: Organic and biodynamic methods
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Fermentation: 3-day cold maceration; total maceration of 18 days
• Aging: 12 months in used French oak barrels
• Alcohol: 13% ABV

Sensory Description:

The 2024 Cenizas Pinot Noir opens with luminous aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, and eucalyptus, lifted by notes of forest floor, clove, and cinnamon. On the palate, the wine is bright and fresh yet texturally silky, with layers of red plum, cranberry, and subtle baking spice unfolding gracefully. The oak is beautifully restrained, allowing the vineyard’s minerality and delicate fruit to take center stage. A whisper of volcanic smoke lingers on the finish, evoking the terrain that shaped it.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1993, Laberinto takes its name from the labyrinth-like design of its vine plantings, a reflection of winemaker Rafael Tirado’s belief that true beauty emerges through complexity. A pioneer of high-altitude, cool-climate viticulture in the Maule Valley, Rafa farms organically, embracing biodynamic principles and native-yeast fermentations to honor the purity of his land. His wines have earned cult status for their energy, precision, and soulful character, each bottle a map of Chile’s untamed Andes foothills.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled at 58–60 °F (14–16 °C). This Pinot Noir pairs effortlessly with roast chicken, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or pork tenderloin, as well as heartier fare like braised duck or lentil stew. Its freshness and spice also make it a versatile companion for dishes featuring red sauce or Mediterranean herbs.

The 2024 Laberinto “Cenizas” Pinot Noir is more than a wine, it’s a glimpse into the volcanic heart of Chile, where mountain air, mineral-rich soil, and one winemaker’s vision converge in a glass of pure, expressive grace.