Amayna Pinot Noir 2022

The Amayna Pinot Noir cuvée originates in the Leyda Valley, within the San Antonio appellation, on Chile's Pacific coast. Located less than 10 kilometers from the ocean, this vineyard benefits from a cool maritime climate, marked by morning mists and constant winds that slow down the ripening of the grapes. The complex soils, combining decomposed granite, clay, and limestone, give the Pinot Noir a natural tension and great aromatic precision, making Leyda one of Chile's most qualitative terroirs for this demanding grape variety.

The winemaking process is based on a plot-by-plot, low-intervention approach aimed at preserving the expression of the terroir. The grapes are hand-harvested, then ferment in stainless steel tanks with about 20% whole clusters, promoting aromatic complexity and fine tannins. A gentle and controlled maceration allows for progressive extraction. The wine is then aged for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels and large foudres.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, raspberry, redcurrant, floral nuances of violet and dried rose, as well as spicy touches of white pepper and graphite. On the palate, the texture is silky and fluid, supported by a beautiful acidity that brings freshness and tension. The tannins are fine and elegant, offering a delicate structure. The finish is harmonious, precise, and persistent.

It was Hernán Cortés who ordered, upon the conquest of Mexico, the cultivation of vines in 1524. It gradually extended from Mexico southwards to reach Chile in 1555. During the first 3 centuries of colonization, there was no Cultivated in Chile as país, a black grape variety without character and very productive. It was not until the middle of the 19th century that noble varieties were introduced: mainly cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Twenty years later, winemaking was modernized under the leadership of wealthy owners and French experts who were forced into unemployment by phylloxera in Europe. Chile stretches 4,300 kilometers from north to south. It is wedged between the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Andes Mountains to the east, the Atacama Desert to the north, the Patagonian plains and glaciers to the south. These natural barriers prevented phylloxera from entering the country. Although the country is only 160 kilometers wide, it has ideal conditions for growing warm, intermediate and cool grape varieties, so much so that it is often described as a paradise for growing grapes. With nearly 300 properties producing bottled wines, Chile fluctuates between 6th and 8th place in the world.