Grower: Roberto Henriquez
Region: Itata Valley, Sur, Chile
Grape Varieties: Semillon, Corinto (Chasselas), Muscat of Alexandria
Viticulture: Biodynamic
Category: White
Size: 750ml
Roberto farms 7 ha which are close together in the mountains – Cordillera de Nahuelbuta. In Bio-Bio, there is considerable soil diversity between plots. Vine-training height also varies – Riviera del Notro at 1m high, and the Santa Cruz de Coya vines lay very close to the ground. It’s a cool-climate region, with a cool spring, summers below 30 degrees with many cloudy days, and quick transition from Autumn to Winter. Southerly latitude plays a massive part, as does the mountain topography (lots of small hills, vines situated on inclines); maximum altitude is under 400m. Roberto does the traditional winemaking style of Chile – manual destemming, gentle crushing of grapes and punch downs, only using Chilean wood (just when he bottles pipeño), and short macerations.
This blend is made with three traditional varieties from the coastal area of the Itata valley. Corinto is harvested first (earliest to ripen) then Muscat, then Semillon, last. Corinto is the same variety as Chasselas, and it is known for a higher acidity and minerality but with hints of bacon fat and pineapple. Semillon has a sense of cucumber, off but how it grows here. The varietals are fermented separately, then blended. The final wine has a floral and spicy character.
