Gato Negro Carmenere

San Pedro's Gato Negro line represents the winery's core expression of Maipo Valley Carmenère, Chile's signature red varietal. The vineyard sits in the Maipo Valley's central sector, where alluvial soils deposited by the Maipo River create ideal drainage for Carmenère's late ripening cycle. Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel preserves varietal character, followed by aging in French oak to integrate structure without overwhelming the fruit. Carmenère from this zone characteristically develops dark plum and black pepper aromatics, with the variety's signature green peppercorn note emerging as the wine opens. The 2022 vintage benefits from Maipo's warm growing season, delivering ripe tannins balanced by medium acidity. Drink now through 2026 for optimal freshness.