Make way for Millaman

If you like Chilean wine, you’ll be glad to know that rising brand Millaman is now available in Thailand. You can even get the 

 super-premium Casa Millaman 2009.

Chile stretches out geographically into the world’s longest country, so the climate is utterly diverse, from near polar to near equatorial. But the weather in the central region is well suited to many grape varieties, as the Spanish conquistadors of the 17th century quickly discovered. That’s where they established their vineyards. 

Mediterranean-style weather, good soil and ample water bless Hacienda El Condor, the home of Millaman in the picturesque Curio Valley. Italian immigrant Jose Canepa built it about 70 years ago and began producing Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and, most notably, red Camenere, which is regarded as Chile’s national grape. 

Camenere disappeared from European vineyards in the mid-19th century, turning up among Chile’s Merlot vines a hundred years later. The darkest of all red grapes needs a long growing season to reach full potential. Its wine is rich in berry fruitiness and spice with well-rounded tannins. 

Relatively new wine-and-spirits importer-distributor Pacer Grow has introduced Millaman to Thailand and hosted a tasting on Wednesday at Bangkok’s Sivatel Hotel. Millaman export manager Pelayo Correa and Chilean Ambassador Javier Becker Marshall were on hand.

Riveting the senses, refreshing Condor Sauvignon Blanc was sampled first, followed by Condor Chardonnay, with its aroma of tropical fruit and a crisp finish, served with duck breast in raspberry sauce. 

Deep-red Millaman Condor Cabernet Sauvignon, the brand’s most popular product, was a full-bodied complement to beef capriccio in mustard sauce, the meat bringing out intense cherry and blackcurrant aromas and well-rounded flavours.

Estate Reserve Merlot was a bit fruitier, vanilla and spice on the nose. Served with pork ribs and seafood in mornay sauce, the wine offered good structure and a lingering, pleasant finish.

Millaman Limited Reserve Carmenere was a pure blend of finely selected Carmenere grapes matured in French oak for 12 months. The slightly smoky red came with beef rocket in radish sauce. 

Capping off the night was the star of the portfolio, Casa Millaman 2009, of which only 1,355 bottles were produced. The rich yet pleasing and elegant wine is a blend of top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec, Carmenere and Petit Verdot, matured in oak for two years. 

Floral and fruity on the nose, the inky-red wine had a good balance and nice array of complex red fruits. It was ideal with seared rare beef.