Cinsault Oriundo de Itata 2023

Originating from the Itata Valley in southern Chile, this Cinsault comes from old vines located around the Coelemu and Guarilihue sectors, on very well-drained granite soils. The maritime climate, strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean, brings temperate days followed by cool night breezes that promote a slow and gradual ripening of the fruit. The vines are not irrigated, which encourages the roots to grow deep, developing minerality and aromatic complexity.

The grapes are harvested by hand. A proportion of whole, uncrushed bunches (25%) is retained to obtain intense fruit aromas. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts. The wine then undergoes 10 months of aging in used oak barrels (55%) and stainless steel tanks (45%).

This wine reveals notes of fresh raspberries , red cherry , tangy pomegranate , violet, rosemary , and sweet spices . On the palate, the wine is ethereal and vibrant, with lovely acidity, supple tannins, and an almost silky texture. The finish lingers with freshness and minerality.

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.