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 Carmenere (88% Carmenère / 12% Cabernet Franc) is also grown in San Luis de Pirque and the Cabernet Franc adds a welcome structure and back bone to the fruity Carmenere.
The wine is matured for 8 months in French oak barrels. Behind its deep cherry colour, the wine reveals intense aromas of plum and Mirabelle with hints of black pepper, earthy dust, smoke and toffee. It is juicy and fresh on the palate with firm but silky tannins.
