The adventure begins some twenty years ago when William Fevre, a well-known Burgundian winegrower met Chilean farm-owner Victor Pino Arrigorriaga. After inspection of Victor’s land, William Fevre discovered a site of well drained, stony soils lying at 1,000 m above sea level at the foothills of the Andes. Deal was struck and partnership began as they planted 40 ha of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on this ‘mountain site’. Needless say the locals were amused by these newcomers, planting in an area so remote, so difficult of access and so low-yielding. Obviously, William was after niche markets in Europe and was not interested in mass-produced wines.
The first wines were produced some 5 years later and the planting of Cabernet and Carmenere on these mountain sites took place at that time.
Today, William and Victor have passed on the reins to Victor’s son Gonzalo. The same care in tending the vineyards, low yields and careful winemaking are still ‘de rigueur’ and the natural freshness and minerality of these wines are the trademark of this winery.
Gran Cuvee Cabernet (85% Cabernet Sauvignon – 15% Cabernet Franc) is a single vineyard wine hailing from the Las Majadas vineyard next the foothills of the Andes at 730 m above sea level.
The fresh (read low) night-time temperatures and the late rising sun of the Andean foothills allow the plant’s growth cycle to start later in the day and add to the freshness of the mountain fruit. Phenolic maturity comes naturally with lower alcohol after extended hang time on the vine.
Hand-harvested in 12kg baskets, 30% of the wine is matured in French oak barrels for 14 to 17 months before bottling.
Deep ruby-red in colour, it opens with an elegant nose of fresh red berry fruit with the subtlest hints of vanilla and tobacco. The palate is well structured and medium bodied and delivers a hearty portion of ripe blackcurrant and juicy cherries with complex notes of mint leaves and spices. The tannins are fine, subdued and silky.
