Santa Rita 120 Pinot Noir

Santa Rita 120 Pinot Noir is a 100% Pinot Noir from Chile's Aconcagua Valley, bottled at approximately 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Rated 85 points by Wine Enthusiast across multiple vintages, this expression anchors Santa Rita's 120 Reserva Especial range as a dependable, fruit-forward Chilean red built around restraint and balance.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13%  |  Origin: Aconcagua Valley, Chile  |  Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir  |  Producer: Viña Santa Rita (Grupo Claro)

Production & Heritage

Viña Santa Rita, owned by Grupo Claro, is one of Chile's most established wine producers, with roots tracing back to 1880. The "120" label commemorates the 120 Chilean independence soldiers who took refuge at the Santa Rita estate in 1814 — a story woven into the brand's identity. Under the direction of winemaker Sebastián Labbé, this Pinot Noir is sourced from vineyards in the Aconcagua Valley and vinified in a restrained style that prioritizes fresh fruit and approachability over extraction. The 120 Reserva Especial line represents Santa Rita's core everyday range, spanning a wide selection of white, rosé, and red varieties.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright red cherry and raspberry, followed by fresh strawberry and light floral hints. A gentle touch of vanilla and leather lingers beneath the fruit, adding a layer of quiet complexity.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is light to medium-bodied with juicy red fruit at the forefront. The mid-palate introduces subtle earthiness and a trace of cooked berry alongside delicate herbal notes reminiscent of dried grass. The overall impression is one of balance rather than intensity — the fruit stays clean and focused without veering into sweetness.

Finish: The finish is refreshing and moderate in length, with lingering red cherry and a soft, clean fade. It leaves little tannin grip, making it immediately approachable.

How to Drink Santa Rita 120 Pinot Noir

Serve lightly chilled at around 55–60°F (13–16°C) to bring out the freshness of the red fruit. This is a Pinot Noir that works well on its own without demanding too much attention. In a Pinot Noir Spritz, a splash of soda and a twist of orange zest plays to the wine's lighter body. It also makes an easy-drinking base for a Red Wine Sangria, where its cherry and berry notes complement citrus and stone fruit. For a simple twist, try it in a Kalimotxo — the cola-and-red-wine combination benefits from the wine's mild tannins and fruity brightness.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want a reliable Chilean red without overthinking it
• Introducing someone to Pinot Noir as a varietal — its light body and clean fruit are highly accessible
• Casual gatherings and backyard meals where a crowd-pleasing, food-friendly red is needed
• Building an affordable tasting flight alongside other Chilean Pinot Noirs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Santa Rita 120 Pinot Noir taste like? It delivers bright red cherry and raspberry flavors with subtle earthiness, a touch of vanilla, and a refreshing, clean finish. The body is light to medium, leaning toward fruit-driven simplicity rather than oak-heavy richness.

How does Santa Rita 120 Pinot Noir compare to Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir? Both are large-production Chilean Pinot Noirs positioned in the everyday value tier. Santa Rita 120 tends toward a more restrained, lighter-bodied style, while Casillero del Diablo generally leans slightly riper and fruitier, though the differences are modest at this price level.

Is Santa Rita 120 Pinot Noir good for beginners? Yes — its light body, soft tannins, and straightforward red fruit profile make it one of the more approachable entry points into Pinot Noir. It does not require decanting or extended aging to enjoy.

Where is Santa Rita 120 Pinot Noir made? It is produced by Viña Santa Rita in Chile's Aconcagua Valley, one of the country's prominent wine-growing regions. The estate itself is located in the Alto Jahuel area of the Maipo Valley, south of Santiago.

What foods pair well with Santa Rita 120 Pinot Noir? Roast chicken works well, as the wine's acidity and light tannins complement poultry without overwhelming it. Grilled salmon benefits from the berry fruit and earthy undertone. Mushroom risotto echoes the wine's subtle earthiness. Mild soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert match its gentle palate weight. Charcuterie boards with cured meats and olives round out its savory side.

What sizes does Santa Rita 120 Pinot Noir come in? The standard format is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available size.

Is Santa Rita 120 Pinot Noir worth the price? It positions squarely as an entry-level, everyday Pinot Noir, and delivers consistent quality within that tier. Its 85-point rating from Wine Enthusiast and Silver medals at the Sommeliers Choice Awards and Sakura Awards suggest it punches at or slightly above its weight class for a value Chilean red.

Why Santa Rita 120 Pinot Noir?

In a crowded field of budget Chilean reds, the 120 Pinot Noir earns its place through consistency and varietal honesty — it tastes like Pinot Noir, not like a generic red with a Pinot label. Multiple 85-point scores from Wine Enthusiast and Silver medals from international competitions confirm that this is not merely a commodity wine. The historical significance of the "120" name gives it a story that extends beyond the glass, rooted in Chile's independence. For drinkers seeking an unpretentious, fruit-forward Pinot Noir that delivers clean flavors without extracting a premium price, this remains one of the more dependable options from South America's largest wine-producing regions.