Polkura Syrah, Marchigue, Chile

A deep, savory perfume rises from the glass as 2021 Polkura Syrah reveals the power and elegance shaped by Marchigüe’s granitic hillsides. Dark-fruited, expressive, and structured with finesse, it captures the character of a human-scale project focused on precision, terroir, and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Product Details:

• Winemakers: Sven Bruchfeld & Gonzalo Muñoz
• Grapes: Syrah 93%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Carignan 1%, Grenache 1%
• ABV: 14.5%
• Sugar: 2.5 g/L
• Soils: Yellow granite (“polkura”), red clay
• Fermentation: Partially destemmed; stainless-steel vats; gentle maceration
• Aging: 15 months in French oak barrels
• Style: Medium-bodied
• Cellaring: Up to 8 years; no decanting required

Sensory Description:

Concentrated and dark in tone, the wine opens with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, licorice, violets, eucalyptus, and subtle roasted notes. The palate is generous yet structured, offering medium body, firm yet polished tannins, and balanced oak integration. Layers of crushed dark berries, black olives, Provençal herbs, and spice lead into a long, persistent finish that remains fresh and energetic thanks to the cooling influence of the Marchigüe slopes.

Winemaker's Background:

Polkura began in 2002, inspired when longtime friends and winemakers Sven Bruchfeld and Gonzalo Muñoz experienced a revelatory Syrah tasting in southwest France. Convinced Chile could produce wines of similar distinction, they discovered an ideal site on the western side of the Colchagua Valley, just 30 km from the Pacific. The name “Polkura”, Mapuche for “yellow stone”, references the distinctive yellow granite that shapes the vineyard’s character. First planted in 2004, the estate emphasizes small-scale farming, precision, and terroir expression. Red clay atop decomposed granite provides both minerality and power, resulting in Syrah wines noted for complexity, balance, and aromatic depth.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 15–17°C. This expressive Syrah pairs beautifully with grilled flank steak, roasted lamb with herbs, hearty beef stews, bison medallions, or pasta with rich ragù. Its bold fruit, herbal notes, and spice also complement barbecued meats and dishes with smoky or earthy components. Enjoy now or cellar for up to eight years.

Structured, aromatic, and shaped by place, 2021 Polkura Syrah stands as a refined and character-driven expression from one of Chile’s most distinctive hillside vineyards.