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 Reserva Chardonnay is grown on the original vineyard in San Juan de Pirque, a small hamlet above the Maipo Valley in the Muy Alto Maipo at almost 1ooo metres above sea level. The combination of altitude and composition of the soils give the wine a minerality and precicion rarely found in Maipo whites. The wine is matured in 2 to 4 wines barrels for 6 months. The nose is quite fruity with stewed pears and lime. Delicious lemon sorbet, exotic fruit and a touch of creaminess on the palate ending with a mineral twist, reminiscent of white Burgundies.
