2024 Clos de Luz "Agras" Pais Cachapoal

Agrado uses grapes from 100-year-old vines in the Cachapoal Valley and is fermented with 20% whole bunches. Refreshingly low in alcohol at 12.5%, it has jasmine and rose petal aromas, impressive underlying grip and concentration and a palate of redcurrant, cranberry and rooibos tea.

Chillable reds are hotter than ever (no pun intended) and the 2024 Clos de Luz “Agras” País is hands down one of the best examples I’ve had from this quickly growing category. It was so delicious when I first tasted it – one of those wines that seems to disappear all too quickly from the glass – it’s just that good! Balancing crunchy red fruit notes like pomegranate and cranberry with faint woodsy dried leaves and button mushroom typical of País, the inclusion of a small percentage of Moscatel during fermentation has an outsized impact, adding pretty rose petal and lilac notes. Moscatel is such a dramatically aromatic grape, that even a small dash in the blend adds floral complexity that helps to counterbalance the slight rusticity of the País. The resulting wine is pale in the glass, and at just 12% alcohol, it takes a slight chill perfectly, bridging the gap between rosé and light-bodied red. There are also subtly gripping tannins on the palate that make this wine the perfect match for so many foods: duck, pork, or even just a simple cheese and charcuterie plate. The overall feel of the wine, however, is juicy and easygoing, making it perfectly fine to drink on its own, too, while you’re cooking or chatting. If you haven’t yet jumped onto the chillable red bandwagon, try this one!