Starting from December 2020, we’ve launched a new Terroir Talk Series discussing specific and fascinating terroirs of South America with some of the best winemakers on the continent. We’ll be regularly hosting these talks and discussions over Instagram Live with winemakers from Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and beyond in order to discover some of the grand crus of Latin America.
Please do join us and feel free to send in any questions before the interview so we can get to grips with some of the most exciting wines and wine regions of South America. Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook where we’ll be promoting the talks, and here are some dates to pencil into your diary!
Uco Valley terroir & Bordeaux-inspired blends
Terroir Talk with Karim Mussi of Bodega Alandes
31st March, 8pm
Karim Mussi is one of the foremost winemakers in the Uco Valley, having worked in La Consulta for over 23 years. Today he has a family of Uco Valley wine brands under his Karim Mussi Wines stable, including the impressive Bodega Alandes label which is focused on making high quality, Bordeaux-inspired blends.
In this Terroir Talk, Amanda Barnes interviews Karim about the terroir of the Uco Valley and what grape varieties he thinks work best in this wine region in Mendoza. They discuss the art of making blends, both white and red, and why Bordeaux is one of his great loves in the wine world.
Underground varieties & Overground wines in Uruguay
Terroir Talk with Gabriel Pisano of Viña Progreso
7th April, 7pm
Gabriel Pisano is one of Uruguay’s leading winemakers in the new generation. Born into the Pisano wine family, he also makes wines under his own label, Viña Progreso, where he explores the b-side to Uruguay’s wine scene.
In this Terroir Talk Amanda Barnes interviews Gabriel about working with lesser-known varieties in Uruguay such as Viognier, Sangiovese and Pinot Noir and they recap the 2021 vintage and look forward to what’s to come in the future of Uruguayan wine.
Previous Terroir Talks
Extreme Patagonia
Terroir Talk with Juan Pablo Murgia of Otronia
4th March, 7pm
Otronia has the southernmost vineyard in the world, at 45 degrees south in Sarmiento, Chubut, in deep Patagonia.
Amanda Barnes interviews Otronia winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia about making wines in one of the most extreme terroirs in the world, and the challenges that this southern wine region brings as well as the benefits which have made these some of the most exciting new wines in Argentina and South America today.
They talk frost, wind and limestone!
Watch the talk replay and Otronia wine tasting notes!
Old vines & the Itata revolution
Terroir Talk with Leo Erazo of A los Viñateros Bravos
4th February, 7pm (UK)
Leo Erazo is at the forefront of the Itata revolution – revaluing the incredible old vines of this southerly wine region and making natural wines from these long-standing heritage varieties.
In this Terroir Talk, Amanda interviews Leo about the wine regions and soils of Itata (specifically looking at the impact of volcanic and granite soils on the wines) and put a spotlight on Torontel, Corinto, Moscatel, País and Cinsault. Leo also explains what Pipeño is and why it is one of the most authentic wines in South America.
You can taste along with Leo and Amanda by purchasing your wines ahead of the tasting at Les Caves de Pyrene.
New terroirs & Innovation in Uruguay
Terroir Talk with Santiago Deicas of Familia Deicas
11th February, 7pm (UK)
Santiago Deicas is one of the most innovative winemakers in Uruguay today and as winemaker at his family’s winery, Familia Deicas, he has uncovered several new terroirs in Uruguay.
In this Terroir Talk, Amanda Barnes will be interviewing Santiago about the diverse terroirs and vineyards they are working with and the great wealth of soils that you can find in Uruguay’s wine regions. They will also be looking at some key innovations within Familia Deicas’ portfolio, including literally turning the earth upside down to make their Suelo Invertido vineyard and wine, and exploring the world of natural and orange wines.
You can taste along with Santiago and Amanda during the session buy pre-ordering your tasting pack with a special discount online at: https://www.winesofuruguay.co.uk/shop/mixed-cases/amanda-barnes-tasting-with-santiago-deicas/
Maldonado & granite in wine
Terroir Talk with German Bruzzone of Bodega Garzón
17th December. 6pm (UK)
We discuss the impact of the granite terroir of Garzón in Maldonado and how it impacts the vineyard and wines with one of Uruguay’s most awarded winemakers, German Bruzzone of Bodega Garzón. During the discussion, we’ll be tasting through the two start varieties for the region: Tannat and Albariño with their exclusive Single Vineyard range.
Maipo & Cabernet
Terroir Talk with Emily Faulconer of Viña Carmen
23rd December. 7pm (UK)
We discuss why Alto Maipo has become Chile’s hot spot for top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon with one of the most exciting winemakers of the new generation, Emily Faulconer of Viña Carmen. As Emily and Amanda discuss river gravel, terraces and dirt, they will be tasting through two iconic wines for the region: the Grand Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon and the Delanz blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 16% Cabernet Franc, 5%
Petit Verdot and 3% Petite Sirah.
Old-vine Malbec & Mendoza
Terroir Talk with Andrés Vignoni of Viña Cobos
14th January. 6pm (UK)
We discuss the thrilling old vines of Malbec you can find in Mendoza and why they are capable of producing worldclass wines. One of Mendoza’s leading winemakers in the new generation, Andrés Vignoni, will be sharing the visionary story of Viña Cobos‘ work with old vines of Malbec in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Amanda and Andrés will be discussing why old vines matter while they taste through two of the outstanding Bramare series wines: from Perdriel and Villa Bastías.
Maule terroir & old vines
Terroir Talk with Christian Sepúlveda of Bouchon Family Wines
20th January. 6pm (UK)
Maule is a treasure trove of old vines and interesting grape varieties in Chile and the Bouchon family are a key producer in the region with old vines of País, Semillon and Carignan among other varieties. We’ll be discussing the different wine regions of Maule – from the coastal regions inland to the Secano Interior – with one of the most exciting winemakers in Chile today, Christian Sepúlveda, as we taste through this thrilling line up of Granito Semillon, País Salvaje and Vigno Carignan.
Leyda & cool-coast Chile
Terroir Talk with Viviana Navarrete of Viña Leyda
10th September. 8pm (UK)
Viña Leyda winemaker Viviana Navarrete is one of the most experienced winemakers in the renowned cool-coast region of Leyda in San Antonio. Amanda and Viviana discuss the challenges and benefits of working in such an extreme coastal terroir, and why Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are the stars of the region.
