{"title":"Neyen","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"neyen-espiritu-de-apalta","title":"Neyen Espiritu De Apalta","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeyen Espiritu De Apalta\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Chilean red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère from Apalta Valley, bottled at 750ml and 13–13.5% ABV. The 2017 vintage earned 95 points from James Suckling and 92 points from Wine Spectator, placing it among the most critically recognized wines produced in the Colchagua Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13–13.5%  |  Origin: Apalta Valley, Colchagua Valley, Chile  |  Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon \/ 50% Carménère  |  Winery: Neyen de Apalta Vineyard\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeyen de Apalta Vineyard draws from some of Chile's oldest viticultural heritage — vines planted as early as 1890, now more than 130 years old, grown from pre-phylloxera cuttings originally imported from Bordeaux in the late 1800s. The Espiritu De Apalta blend undergoes 14 months of aging in French oak barrels followed by an additional 6 months in 3,000-liter foudres, a regimen designed to integrate oak influence without overwhelming the fruit. The equal split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère (though proportions may shift by vintage) reflects both the Bordelais origins of the vineyard material and the unique terroir of the Apalta sub-valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh raspberry and blackcurrant lead, followed by subtle vanilla and a cedar-laced backdrop. The nose is layered and restrained, suggesting depth rather than demanding attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with blackcurrant and dark berry flavors framed by fine-grained, powdery tannins. At mid-palate, undertones of leather and cedar emerge, and the wine reveals its full-bodied, structured character. A delicate pepper note threads through the fruit, adding complexity without sharpness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and refreshing, with smooth tannins that carry through cleanly. Lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and subtle oak create a finish that is elegant rather than heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Espiritu De Apalta\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is best enjoyed at cellar temperature (16–18°C \/ 60–65°F) with 30 to 60 minutes of decanting to let the tannins soften and the aromatics fully open. Its structured, full-bodied profile also makes it a strong foundation for wine-based cocktails: a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e variation using cola and a squeeze of lime plays off the wine's dark fruit and spice; a classic \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built with fresh stone fruit and brandy benefits from the wine's natural juiciness and tannic backbone; and a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e — layering the wine as a float over a whiskey sour — leverages its deep color and berry-forward aromatics for a dramatic presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious wine collector interested in old-vine Chilean expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a comparative tasting of Carménère-based blends against Bordeaux benchmarks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a grilled red meat dinner for a special occasion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring as part of a long-term South American wine collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Espiritu De Apalta taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers juicy dark fruit — blackcurrant and raspberry — layered with cedar, leather, and a thread of pepper, all held together by fine-grained, powdery tannins and a long, refreshing finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Espiritu De Apalta compare to top Bordeaux blends?\u003c\/strong\u003e Like Bordeaux, it relies on Cabernet Sauvignon as a structural backbone, but the equal proportion of Carménère — a grape that largely vanished from Bordeaux after phylloxera — gives it a distinct juicy elegance and peppery complexity that most Left Bank reds do not share.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Espiritu De Apalta good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its balanced tannins, layered aromatics, and full-bodied structure make it a rewarding wine to drink neat, especially after decanting for 30 to 60 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Espiritu De Apalta made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at Neyen de Apalta Vineyard in the Apalta sub-valley of the Colchagua Valley, one of Chile's most acclaimed wine-growing regions, located roughly 180 kilometers south of Santiago.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Espiritu De Apalta?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled beef ribeye highlights the wine's tannic structure and dark fruit; slow-braised lamb shoulder mirrors its leather and cedar undertones; aged Manchego cheese complements its savory depth; roasted portobello mushrooms echo the earthy complexity; and dark chocolate with a cacao content of 70% or higher pairs well with the wine's berry and vanilla notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Espiritu De Apalta come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Espiritu De Apalta worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium Chilean red blend, and the combination of century-old vines, French oak aging, and consistent critical scores in the 92–95-point range places it in strong company within its price tier — delivering complexity and provenance that rival many wines at higher price points.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Espiritu De Apalta?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining feature of this wine is its vineyard source: vines planted in 1890 from pre-phylloxera Bordeaux cuttings, representing some of the oldest surviving grapevines in Chile. That heritage translates directly into the glass as concentration, complexity, and a sense of place that younger plantings simply cannot replicate. The 95-point score from James Suckling on the 2017 vintage confirms that the winemaking matches the raw material. For anyone seeking a Chilean red that goes well beyond varietal typicity and into genuine terroir-driven winemaking, Espiritu De Apalta stands as one of the Colchagua Valley's most compelling expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Neyen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837769609385,"sku":"29034","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Neyen-Espiritu-De-Apalta__65545.jpg?v=1730493852"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/neyen.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}