Viña Requingua

Viña Requingua is a family winery boasting over 1,050 hectares of vineyards planted in the heart of Chile’s Central Valley, in Colchagua, Curicó and Maule. The Viña Requingua winery is in Sagrada Familia, in Curicó, and was originally founded in 1961 and is still owned and run by the same family today.

A well-known producer in Chile, and best known for its warming red wines, Viña Requingua’s brands include Toro de Piedra, Potro de Piedra, Laku and Puerto Viejo, which offer good value wines across the board.

About Viña Requingua

This family winery in Sagrada Family was founded in 1961 by Santiago Achurra Larraín. Starting out with only 50 hectares of vines and a small winery, it has grown into one of the most successful family wineries in Chile today with over 1,055 hectares spread between three valleys – Colchagua, Curicó and Maule – and a 30 million litre production.

The wines all come from Chile’s Central Valley, known for its balmy Mediterranean climate in which winters are mild and summers are sunny and warm by day, and cool by night. The vineyards have all been planted in different stages, with the oldest vines being just over 60 years old.

Today the winery is run by Santiago Achurra Hernández, son of the original founder, with the third generation now taking an active role in the running of the winery.

About Viña Requingua vineyards

The oldest vines are just over 60 years old and include Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Merlot and Syrah among other varieties. Newer plantations have been grafted onto the older vines with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir being the main plantations.

With 13 different vineyards spread around the major wine regions of Chile, the wine portfolio of Viña Requingua is correspondingly diverse.

Viña Requingua has estate vineyards in Colchagua, Curicó and Maule which include several different microclimates, suitable for a wide range of varieties.

As well as their own estate vineyards, Viña Requingua managed properties and vineyards in Maipo and Cachapoal. The stoney soils of Maipo is the source of some top quality red wines; while the alluvial soils and mountain climate of Cachapoal is used for red and also white wines.

About Viña Requingua wines

With a large portfolio, Viña Requingua has seven different lines of wines, which includes the Toro de Piedra, Santa Alba, Patagón, Patria Nueva, Los Riscos and Toro d’Oro ranges.

Reserva wines: Los Riscos

This range of wines includes Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Carmenère, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Within the range are also two semi-sweet wines Moscato and a Sweet Red blend.

Reserva Especial wines: Single Vineyard Puerto Viejo

This varietal range includes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Carmenère, Malbec, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a rosé.

Grand Reserva wines: Toro de Piedra

With several wines in the line, Toro de Piedra includes single varietal wines of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère as well as red blends of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The range also includes a Brut sparkling wine and a sweet, late harvest wine of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

Family Reserve: Potro de Piedra

Potro de Piedra is the Family Reserve line made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%). Full bodied and complex with rounded tannins and intense notes of cherries, plums and liquorice.

Icon wine: Laku

Laku is Viña Requingua’s icon wine made from a mystery blend of red grapes from the best plots in their vineyards, dependant on the vintage. A complex and layered red wine with voluptuous tannins and a long finish.

About the winemaker, Benoit Fitte

Benoit Fitte has been leading winemaking and viticulture since 2001. Born in Armagnac, France, he received his DNO (Diplôme National D’Oenologue) at the age of 24.

After working in Taittinger in Champagne and Chateau Montus in Madiran, Benoit moved to Chile and started to work Viña Requingua.

Working in the winemaking team with Benoitare Eloísa Uribe, the Chief Winemaker; and Agricultural Manager Sebastian Cabarent; as well as winemaker Filipa Morgado.

Visiting Viña Requingua

Viña Requingua is not open to visitors although you can visit the wine shop which is open Monday through Saturday.