Viña Carmen launches Carmen VIGNO: a tribute to the Maule Valley’s winemaking heritage

A contemporary perspective on a heritage grape, crafted by small producers and made with respect for history and origin. This wine was named a “Hidden Gem” by Wine Enthusiast.

Viña Carmen introduces Carmen VIGNO 2023, a new high-end wine made 100% from Carignan from the interior drylands of the Maule Valley. Sourced from head-trained vines over 80 years old, cultivated without irrigation by local small-scale growers, this wine represents the truest expression of a terroir shaped over generations.

“As one of the oldest wineries in South America, Carmen maintains a deep respect for traditions and the legacy of Chilean winemaking. This connection to history, along with a commitment to preserving and highlighting the country’s viticultural heritage, led us to join VIGNO, an organization that promotes and protects Carignan as an emblematic grape of Maule,” says Ana María Cumsille, Head Winemaker at Viña Carmen.

She adds: “Carignan from the interior drylands not only reflects the place—it also tells the story of its people. Carmen VIGNO is our way of paying tribute to that history and projecting it into the future.”

Among the accolades this wine has received are 95 points from Robert Parker and James Suckling. Descorchados awarded it 94 points, ranking it among Chile’s best Carignan, while Wine Enthusiast named it a “Hidden Gem,” establishing it as one of the year’s most significant releases for this varietal.

Carmen VIGNO 2023 comes from a vineyard in Comávida, at the foot of a south-facing slope, with granitic soils and gobelet-trained vines managed by local small producers. The grapes were hand-harvested in March, fermented in stainless steel, and aged for 18 months in used barrels. The result is a wine of vibrant purple color, intense black fruit aromas, juicy palate, great concentration, pronounced acidity, and excellent aging potential.

This wine joins Carmen Legacy, the collection that brings together the winery’s most exceptional wines. A project that seeks to turn origin into legacy, exploring Chile’s most emblematic valleys to interpret their essence with elegance, character, and a contemporary perspective.

Carmen VIGNO 2023 is available exclusively in Chile.