There is no shortage of volcanoes in Chile (over 2,000 in fact, 500 of which are active!) and it is the unique geology of this seismically active country that has inspired the Volcanes de Chile range — hunting down interesting volcanic terroirs around the country.

Winemaker Pilar Diaz works with vineyards in six different wine regions to explore the diversity of volcanic wines in Chile while seeking fresh and energetic expressions of each place.

 

Bodega Volcanes de Chile – An introduction

 

 

About Volcanes de Chile

Bodega Volcanes de Chile, owned by Viña Undurraga, gives away its concept in the name – searching for volcanic soils and vineyards of Chile. While the winery is in Maipo, grapes are sourced from vineyards in Malleco, Maule, Maipo, Cachapoal and Leyda.

Bodega Volcanes de Chile makes some interesting red blends (including Mediterranean varieties) and a favourite is the Chardonnay from Malleco.

The winery is certified as sustainable according to the Sustainability Code from Wines of Chile.

 

 

About the Volcanes de Chile vineyards

Volcanes de Chile gets its grapes from vineyards in Maipo, Leyda, Rapel and Cauquenes, from plots that have a significant volcanic influence. The purpose behind seeking volcanic terroirs is looking for deeper sub-soils rich in volcanic matter which help the vine withstand high temperatures, retain humidity and offer good drainage. The San Jose de Maipo, Antuco, Tolhuaca and Callaqui volcanoes are the ones that have the strongest influence over the vineyards.

The winery also buys grapes from other volcanic regions including Malleco, Bio Bio, Maule, Maipo and Limari.

 

Volcanes de Chile wines

RESERVA

This is the first line of easy-to-drink, fruity wines with a subtle and delicate minerality characteristic given by the volcanic soils. Within this line, there is a Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

TECTONIA

Tectonia is a small production line that includes Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and a blend from Grenache, Petit Syrah and Mourvèdre. The wines have refreshing acidity and often more savoury flavors.

PARINACOTA

This singular wine is full bodied but with a fresh acidity, grippy tannins and savoury flavors. Parinacota is a limited-edition blend made from 70% Syrah and 30% Carignan. Grapes come from the Maule valley where the Carignan vines are approximately 100 years old.

ÍGNEO

Ígneo is the icon of the winery. This blend is made from 55% Petite Syrah and 45% Petit Verdot, two grape varieties that are rarely seen outside of being a minor element in blends. Winemaker Pilar reflects her expertise with this complex and powerful red wine.

 

About the winemaker, Pilar Díaz

 

Pilar has been in contact with wine since she was a child as her mother, Pilar Gonzalez, was one of the most well-known winemakers in Chile in the 1980s. Pilar learned about the science and art of making wine while helping her mother out at the vineyards and wineries.

Pilar worked at Marlborough in New Zealand, Burgundy in France and Napa Valley in the US before joining Volcanes de Chile in 2009, where she has been the winemaker ever since.

 

Our philsophy is to create wines that reflect their unique soils, formed by volcanic activity over millions of years and that are true expressions of their origin, displaying the purity and typicity of the specific grape without excessive oak that can mask the unique flavours. 

The chance to source grapes from a range of denominations gives the portfolio more diversity but in each wine my style is consistent as I aim to really manifest the volcanic rocks and ash by ultimately producing wines that are more vibrant and intense with balanced tannins and acidity.”

Pilar Díaz, Volcanes de Chile winemaker

 

Visiting Volcanes de Chile

Volcanes de Chile is not open for visits. However, you can contact Viña Undurraga and request a special visit to Volcanes de Chile.