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 Pinot Noir is grown on Fevre’s original vineyards in San Juan de Pirque, at almost 1,000 metres above sea level. As with the Chardonnay, this particular terroir adds a real mineral edge to the wine. The Pinot Noir is produced following traditional Burgundy ‘pigeage’ technique, using small open tanks of 6ooo litres. After harvesting in the cool of the mountain morning with a pre-selection of fruit being made in the field, the fruit is crushed passing over two selection tables.
A small portion of the blend is aged in new French oak barrels while the majority is placed in older, more neutral barrels.
Subtle nose of raspberries and strawberries with an elegant touch of oak, on the palate the attack is subtle, with lovely sweet cherry and small red berries flavours. The nature of the terroir is expressed by a mineral twist that accompanies the fine tannins and fresh acidity on the ending.
