If there’s a line that embodies the explorer spirit of Viña Morandé, it’s Black Series. This passion for discovering new origins is part of Pablo Morandé’s legacy, who not only pioneered the Casablanca Valley but also led key milestones like bottling the first Carignan in the Maule Valley and Cinsault in Itata. With this same curiosity, the Morandé team continues to expand Chile’s wine boundaries.
One of the most ambitious projects was reaching one of the southernmost regions of Chile: Araucanía, specifically Traiguén in the Malleco Valley. This area, located between the Andes and Nahuelbuta mountain ranges, is known for its volcanic soils and cold, rainy climate. Here, Viña Morandé found the ideal terroir for high-end Chardonnay and Pinot Noir production. From this discovery, Black Series was born, a line known for its elegance and complexity, offering wines with a unique style that sets them apart from other recognized regions like Limarí or Aconcagua, famous for their mineral character and sharp acidity.
The search didn’t stop there. Shortly after, the Morandé team ventured into another emerging Chilean wine frontier: the Limarí Valley. There, they were captivated by a Syrah vineyard planted in 2012 with a vertical trellis. The unique conditions here, with characteristic calcareous soils and the influence of camanchaca (coastal fog), provide ideal growing conditions for Syrah, yielding a wine that reflects the valley’s freshness and potential.
Today, the Black Series line consists of three wines that showcase the diversity and richness of Chile’s most extreme terroirs:
Black Series Chardonnay: Sourced from the Malleco Valley, it’s a fine and complex wine with tense acidity and a vertical mouthfeel. Its persistence is remarkable, highlighting the austere character of its fruit and delicate minerality. Aromas of citrus fruits, green apples, and nuts like hazelnuts and roasted chestnuts stand out.
Black Series Pinot Noir: Also from the Malleco Valley, this wine is an excellent example of volcanic gap soils rich in iron. Deep, fresh, and juicy, it offers delicate yet firm structure. Its fine tannins suggest great aging potential. Notes of red fruits, a mineral, almost sanguine character, and an elegant floral touch reminiscent of violets are prominent.
Black Series Syrah: From the Limarí Valley, this wine is characterized by its varietal purity, with a complex nose combining black cherry, fresh blackberry, and subtle well-integrated wood notes. It’s intense on the palate, with a firm texture, excellent fruit balance, and unmistakable elegance.
Black Series is not just a collection of exceptional wines but a testament to Viña Morandé’s pioneering spirit. Each bottle is the result of years of exploration, dedication, and deep respect for Chile’s most challenging terroirs. This line invites you to discover new horizons with every glass, reflecting the audacity and passion that have defined Viña Morandé since its beginnings.