Tangy and mineral, this coastal Pinot Noir from the slate soils of Aconcagua is one of Chile’s finest. With great length and purity, it is a focused and driven Pinot noir that will age like a dream.
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Get to grips with the terroir of Aconcagua from Costa to Andes in this interview with winemaker Francisco Baettig, in the vineyards of Errazuriz, as he tells Amanda Barnes how the difference in terroir reflects in the wines.
Viña Errazuriz is a pioneer of Aconcagua valley, making wine there since 1870, and has planted vineyards right from the coast to the Andes mountains. The newest development is towards the coast, Aconcagua Costa, which is cooler because of the influence of the coastal breezes from the Pacific and some sea fog and clouds. These cool conditions make it excellent for growing cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The soil profile is quite different as well with schist and metamorphic rock.
Further inland, after the coastal range, in the Entre Cordilleras and Andes regions of Aconcagua the influence of the sea is less and therefore it’s warmer. You also get a lot more sunshine in inland Aconcagua, which is very good for ripening Bordeaux varieties as well as Mediterranean varieties, like Grenache and Syrah. A mixture of alluvial and granite rocks here with diverse slopes and exposures make for quite a patchwork of microclimates and soils to work from, as Francisco Baettig explains.
Amanda also asks Francisco to explain the key differences between Cabernet Sauvignon in Aconcagua, with Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo (and in particular their famed Chadwick vineyard!) And they touch on the identity of Syrah in Chile.
This old polo field has become one of Chile’s most famous vineyards, Viñedo Chadwick in Alto Maipo. Alfonso Chadwick was one of Chile’s most prized polo players but when he retired he allowed his son, Eduardo Chadwick, to plant vines on his beloved polo field in 1992. Sadly Alfonso died the next year and never got to see Viñedo Chadwick produce the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon it does today. One of Chile’s top luxury labels.
Viña Errázuriz winery was founded by Don Maximiano Errázuriz in 1870. With 150 years to its name, you might be forgiven for thinking Errazuriz is a historical winery – it is, but it is also one of the most innovative and forward-thinking producers in Chile. The wine portfolio is almost endless, but treasures include their Aconcagua Costa range, coming from the cooler parts of Aconcagua valley and their Las Pizzaras Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on slate soils.
Their most famous wine is, of course, Don Maximiano, a rich Cabernet-based blend from the warmer Aconcagua Andes. A visit to the winery is in two parts, the historic building and the modern winery. There is a blend of both past and present here, with state-of-the-art blending in with history and tradition. Stay for longer by booking in at their on-site restaurant.