The Elquí Valley is the Northernmost quality wine region in Chile.  The dizzying altitude of the vineyards (up to 6,000 feet above sea level) provide the cool climate that makes powerful, complex, vibrant reds, and near dessert conditions which further challenge the grapes (this is good!).    The region is also beautiful: a picturesque river valley, high in the Andes.

Chono is a product of the imagination of Alvaro Espinoza, Chiles leading organic winemaker, and his father, Juan Espinoza, also a leading enologist in Chile.  The winery is based in Chile’s Maipo Valley, but sources grapes from organic vineyards all over the country that are ideal for their particular grape variety.  Alvaro has worked all over Chile, but also in Bordeaux at Château Margaux, and in California at Fetzer and Bonterra, where he discovered organic and biodynamic winemaking, and realized that they were perfect for the dry, virtually pest free climate in Chile.  Since returning, he has come to lead or consult for many of the best wineries in Chile.  Chono is different, because is his own, and the love is very apparent.  The winery is named after the ancient Chono tribe that lived in the area.

100% percent Syrah from organically farmed vineyards in the Elquí Valley, the Chono Syrah is really stunning.  Rich, complex and layered, with loads of blackberry, smoke, and roasted bell pepper (this is that off the map flavor I was talking about, and I really like it), this is both delicious, and really well put together.  Great acids, great tannins, and a long, memorable finish.  Think about this wine for roasted vegetables, wild mushrooms, grilled or smoked meats, and Asian foods that combine a little heat with a little sweetness.  Though this wine will last for a few years, it won’t get any better.  Drink now – 2012.