Vina von Siebenthal Toknar

Vina von Siebenthal Toknar: A Chilean Petit Verdot Powerhouse

Located in Chile's prestigious Aconcagua Valley, Vina von Siebenthal is a boutique winery crafting exceptional wines of limited production. Among their most distinguished offerings shines the Toknar, a 100% Petit Verdot that embodies the potential of this intriguing grape variety in Chilean terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Toknar greets the eye with a deep, nearly opaque ruby colour. It coats the glass with dense, slow-moving legs, hinting at this wine's concentration and richness.
• Aromas: The nose is a symphony of dark fruit and spice, led by blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blackberry jam. These are intertwined with hints of liquorice, black pepper, tobacco leaf, and a subtle touch of violets. As the wine opens up, nuances of graphite and roasted coffee beans emerge, adding further complexity.
• Palate: On the palate, Toknar delivers a powerful, full-bodied experience. Concentrated black fruit flavours mirror the aromas, followed by layers of spice, roasted herbs, and a hint of dark chocolate. The tannins, while substantial, are remarkably refined, providing structure and a velvety texture. The finish is exceptionally long, echoing with notes of blackcurrant, spice, and a subtle minerality.

Food Pairings:  Powerhouse Wine, Bold Flavours

Toknar's intensity and structure demand equally bold and flavourful dishes.  Here are some excellent matches:

• Rich Meats: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, slow-roasted beef short ribs, or a hearty venison stew are perfect complements to Toknar's robust flavours.
• Game Birds: Roast duck, pheasant, or goose with a cherry or redcurrant sauce bring out the wine's fruitiness while their savoury notes tame the tannins.
• Aged Cheeses: Firm, mature cheeses like aged Cheddar, Comté, or Parmigiano-Reggiano offer a salty, savoury counterpoint to the wine's intensity.
• Mushroom Dishes: Earthy dishes like porcini or truffle risotto, or wild mushroom ragout highlight Toknar's subtle earthiness and add a touch of luxuriousness to the pairing.
• Dark Chocolate Desserts: A flourless chocolate torte or a dark chocolate mousse with a hint of spice will play beautifully with the wine's chocolate and fruit notes.

Serving Recommendations:

To fully appreciate the complexity of Toknar, decant it for at least an hour before serving. The ideal serving temperature is around 18°C (64°F). Use large, Bordeaux-style wine glasses to allow the wine to breathe and its aromas to fully develop.

Cellaring Potential:

Toknar is built for ageing. With its excellent structure and balance, it can evolve gracefully for 10-15 years or more under proper cellaring conditions.

In Conclusion:

Vina von Siebenthal Toknar is a compelling example of Chilean Petit Verdot's remarkable potential. Its power, concentration, and complexity make it an unforgettable wine experience, ideal for special occasions or cellaring. If you're seeking a bold, age-worthy red wine with a unique character, Toknar is a superb choice.