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.
The Reserve Cabernet (86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc) is grown in San Luis de Pirque on light and well drained soils. The Cabernet Franc adds a little more structure to the wine allowing the red fruits to shine on the shoulders of a solid base section. The wine is matured in 2 to 4 wines French oak barrels for 8 months. Intense berry notes on the nose – raspberry, blackcurrant and blueberry – with plum, toffee and dry leaves. The palate is round, with layers of ripe black berries and subtle floral notes ending with well-balanced, silky tannins.
