Santa Ema 60/40 Cabernet Merlot Barrel Select

Santa Ema 60/40 Cabernet Merlot Barrel Select is a Chilean red blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot from Maipo Valley, bottled at 13.5–14% ABV in a 750ml format. The 2020 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, and the winery has previously landed on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list — recognition that underscores the consistent quality behind this Bordeaux-style blend from one of Chile's most respected valleys.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5–14%  |  Origin: Maipo Valley, Chile  |  Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot  |  Winery: Santa Ema (Pavone Family)

Production & Heritage

Santa Ema is a family-owned estate operated by the Pavone family, situated in the heart of Chile's Maipo Valley with vineyards planted close to the banks of the Maipo River. The winery holds a notable place in Chilean winemaking history — this expression was among the first blends in Chile composed specifically of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, following the classic Bordeaux model. The "Barrel Select" designation indicates the wine undergoes oak aging in selected barrels, adding layers of complexity to the fruit-driven core of the blend.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe cherry and red berries before revealing layers of peppercorn, thyme, and clove. Deeper notes of licorice and chocolate emerge with time in the glass.

Taste: On entry, bright strawberry and raspberry fruit is immediately present and inviting. The mid-palate develops richer complexity with grilled herbs, tobacco, and mulled plum. Earthy flavors and a dash of nutmeg round out the peak, framed by bittersweet cocoa and a subtle eucalyptus quality.

Finish: Medium to long, with juicy acidity and medium-grained tannins providing structure throughout. Lingering impressions of dark fruit, tobacco, and spice carry the finish to a satisfying close.

How to Drink Santa Ema 60/40

This blend shows its best character at cool room temperature, around 16–18°C (61–64°F), served in a standard Bordeaux glass. A brief 15–20 minutes of breathing time allows the aromatic layers to open fully. For cocktail use, the structured fruit and moderate tannins make it suitable for a Kalimotxo — the equal-parts red wine and cola drink where its dark fruit and spice stand up to the sweetness. It also works well in a classic Sangria, contributing body and berry depth that holds its own alongside fresh citrus and brandy. A New York Sour — a whiskey sour floated with red wine — benefits from this blend's bright acidity and cherry profile as a colorful, flavorful crown.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled red meats or pasta
• Introducing a friend to quality Chilean wine beyond entry-level bottles
• Bringing a reliable, crowd-pleasing bottle to a dinner party
• Building a South American section in a home wine collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Santa Ema 60/40 taste like? It delivers bright red and dark fruit — cherry, strawberry, mulled plum — layered with savory notes of tobacco, grilled herbs, and bittersweet cocoa. Medium tannins and juicy acidity keep the wine balanced and food-friendly.

How does Santa Ema 60/40 compare to Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon? Both hail from Chile's Maipo Valley, but Santa Ema 60/40 is a deliberate two-grape blend — 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot — with barrel selection, resulting in a softer, more layered profile than a straight varietal Cabernet. Casillero del Diablo leans more heavily on primary fruit and straightforward structure, while the Santa Ema emphasizes complexity through blending and oak influence.

Is Santa Ema 60/40 good for sipping on its own? Yes — the balance of fruit, herbal complexity, and moderate tannins makes it approachable enough to enjoy by itself, though it truly shines alongside food.

Where is Santa Ema 60/40 made? Santa Ema 60/40 is produced by the Pavone family's Santa Ema winery in the Maipo Valley of central Chile. The vineyards sit near the banks of the Maipo River, in the heart of one of Chile's most acclaimed red wine regions.

What foods pair well with Santa Ema 60/40? Grilled beef or lamb chops complement the wine's savory tobacco and herb notes. Aged cheddar or Manchego cheeses match its tannin structure. Mushroom risotto highlights the earthy undertones, while slow-braised short ribs echo the mulled plum and cocoa flavors. A simple margherita pizza also works, providing a bright tomato contrast to the wine's dark fruit.

What sizes does Santa Ema 60/40 come in? The standard format is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available size for this wine.

Is Santa Ema 60/40 worth the price? Santa Ema 60/40 Barrel Select positions as a mid-range Chilean red that punches above its weight — the 91-point Wine Enthusiast score on the 2020 vintage signals quality that competes with bottles at higher price tiers, making it a strong value within the barrel-aged Maipo Valley category.

Why Santa Ema 60/40?

This wine's strongest claim is its historical significance as one of Chile's pioneering Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot blends, a Bordeaux-inspired approach that was uncommon in the country when Santa Ema first introduced it. The Pavone family's estate vineyards along the Maipo River benefit from the valley's warm days and cool Andean-influenced nights, a combination that drives full ripeness while preserving acidity. A 91-point score from Wine Enthusiast on a recent vintage confirms that the quality is not merely nostalgic — the wine continues to deliver. For anyone seeking a structured, aromatic Chilean red with genuine heritage behind the label, this barrel-selected blend earns serious consideration.