Viu Manent Sauvignon Blanc “Secreto”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- “Secreto” means “Secret” because up to 15% of the wine has up to 15% of a “Secret Blend” only known by the Winemaker. The grapes for this wine came from two vineyards in different sectors of the Casablanca.
- The Secret in this Sauvignon Blanc, is that there is no “Secret.”
- Certified Vegan.
Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Elaboration: The grapes were destemmed without crushing and then cold-macerated (approximately 8º–10ºC) in a pneumatic press for 6–14 hours to enhance the aromas and flavors from the skins. The grapes are then drained, pressed, and decanted for 36 hours at 8º–10ºC. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 12º–18ºC and then aged on its fine lees for 6 months. Finally, the wine was blended, cold and protein stabilized, filtered, and bottled.
Tasting Notes: Light greenish-yellow. The nose is expressive with aromas of white fruit, lychee, grapefruit, white flowers, and sea salt. The palate has significant volume and weight, yet remains very fresh and well-balanced, with depth and a saline note from the coastal influence of its proximity to the sea.
PRESS
2020 – 90 James Suckling
2021 – 90 Vinous
2025 – 90 Jeb Dunnuck
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
After working as a wine merchant alongside his father and brother since the 1930’s, Miguel Viu Manent made the decision to branch out on his own in 1965, purchasing a historic vineyard and winery in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. The estate was and still is one of the most well-exposed sites in the region, and it included 150 hectares of pre-phylloxera massal selections from France.
This company provides us with wines we consider the best value wines in the country (see “Reserva line), forward/experimental options (see “Secreto” line), some of the most solid “under $20” varietal wines you’ll find anywhere in the world (see “Gran Reserva” line), site specific/terroir driven releases (see “Single Vineyard” wines), and most famously the iconic “Viu 1.” Malbec is clearly the house specialty here – Viu Manent was the first Chilean winery to bottle, label, and market Malbec, and they’ve for years been Chile’s Malbec leaders both in terms of accolades and quantity produced.
After nearly 100 years this firm is still family owned and operated (a rarity in Chile, especially for a winery of this size), all farming is certified sustainable, and two of Chile’s top names consult with the winery on a permanent basis – Roberto Pizarro (vineyard management) and Paul Hobbs (winemaking).