biodynamic
What makes a vineyard biodynamic?
A guide to making wine from biodynamic vineyards. Want to know why cow horns, radishes and quartz are important to make great wine? It is not as crazy as it might sound. Wine writer Amanda Barnes and Chilean winemaker Julio Bastias from Matetic walk through the vineyard and preparations used to make great wine from biodynamic vines.
The project of Norwegian ship merchant Dan Odfjell, this is a family project combining a passion for wine and horses which is what ultimately led them to invest in Chile. A visit to the winery includes a visit to see the prized stallions in the on-site stables where they breed Norwegian Fjord horses.
The wines are under the hand of French winemaker Arnaud Hereu and focus on mainly red wines from their Maipo estate, old-vine Malbec from Lontué in Curico, and old-vine Carignan from Maule. The winery is tucked into the hillsides of their Maipo vineyards and works on a gravity-system with part of the winery submerged underground. The vineyards are managed biodynamically and organically and you should enjoy some birdsong from the local residents on your visit!
Matetic
Matetic winery is at the forefront of the biodynamic wine scene in South America, as an inspiring leader with 140 hectares of vines over four estates. The sweeping vineyards straddle San Antonio and Casablanca and are between 13 and 19 km from the Pacific Ocean with a maritime climate. This combination of the cool coastal climate and weathered red and grey granite soils are expressed through the excellent portfolio of Matetic’s wines — all focused on freshness, tension and purity of place.
Winemaker Julio Bastías is a master of cool climate Syrah, which is one of the most emblematic varieties of Matetic, but equally as thrilling are the coastal white wines, Pinot Noir, red blends and their sparkling Coastal Brut. Matetic is not only a vinous highlight in San Antonio but also a travel highlight with dynamic tours, its popular Equilibrio restaurant, the beautiful 19th century Hotel La Casona and new glamping domes in the vineyard for those who prefer to sleep under the stars.