Viña Aquitania started in 1990 as a venture between three friends: winemakers Bruno Prats and Paul Pontallier from Bordeaux and Felipe de Solminihac from Chile (but French born). A fourth friend, Ghislain de Montgolfieralso from Champagne, joined the partnership some 12 years later.
Aquitania winery set out to make fine Bordeaux blends in Maipo terroir – specifically from the Quebrada de Macul where they purchased 18 hectares. This they do with aplomb. However there’s another dimension to Aquitania which makes it one of the pioneering producers in Chile today. In 1995, they planted the first commercial vineyard in Traiguen in the Malleco Valley – 650km south of Santiago! This cool southern valley produces excellent Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc under the Sol de Sol brand.
A visit to the winery today, just a stone’s through from Santiago, is a great opportunity to taste the wines of these two contrasting terroirs.
