South America Winemakers Case

A lovely blend of 55% viognier for perfume, 35% roussanne and 10% marsanne for structural support and added aromatic complexity. Undurraga’s work in making themselves as sustainable as possible has made it easy for us to name them one of our Wine Society Pioneers. They are Wines of Chile Sustainability certified and an International Wineries for Clime Change Gold member – one of only 9 wineries in the world with that status. Their facilities use solar energy, the measure their carbon footprint with the aim of reducing emissions wherever possible, use lightweight bottles use only drip irrigation for efficient and targeted water use that goes hand in hand with reusing water in the winery too. They preserve biological corridors and native vegetation, protect local wildlife, have deployed an integrated pest management system and promote a balanced eco system. Ineed, it would be quicker to tell you about what they don’t do!

Fresh cedary cabernet franc from Argentina with a pretty lead-pencil nose from cool-climate, high-altitude Las Chacayes in the Uco Valley.

The rot-resistant albariño prospers in Uruguay's wet climate producing a crisp wine with aspects of riesling character and bay leaf aroma. Bright refreshing and linear palate, ideal as an aperitif or with fish. Linked by the Atlantic Ocean, it's no surprise that albariño is suited to the rainy Urugayan climate (1,100mm rain a year) originating as it does from a similar climate in coastal Galicia in Spain.Uruguay means "River of painted birds" in the native Guarani language and provided the inspiration for this label featuring Uruguayan birds. Teru Teru, the Southern lapwing, often seen in vineyards is fiercely territorial. The national rugby team, Los Teros, is named after it.

Ripe and fruity cabernet matured about 18 months in large old barrels, foudres, to soften and round out the tannins.

Superb sauvignon blanc from excellent vineyards in the cool south-west corner of the valley made by master winemaker, Ignacio Recabarren. Intense blackcurrant-leaf aromas, a fresh gooseberry-fruit palate and a long finish.

Made from an organic vineyard planted at about 500-metres altitude, this Chilean carmenère has ripe fruit but also a refreshing palate with hints of black pepper and cloves, and is more drinkable than the fruit-bomb style from warmer spots. Cristóbal has a real feeling for vineyards and viticulture and is making Koyle a benchmark in biodynamic and regenerative agriculture. Their soils are healthier, more aerated and better drained. Organic matter in the soil has increased by 400% in 20 years, with manure coming from 100 sheep, 12 cows, eight horses and 100+ chickens and geese. Their communal allotment on site is a beneficiary and produces what the family know are the best tomatoes in the region! The produce goes to feed the staff and workers. the treat 100% of the water they use and what is needed for irrigation comes from a meltwater rainwater reservoir and the local river. all waste is recycled and biodiversity encouraged, with 200 beehives in place and agroforestry is practised, integrating trees into the vineyards. Of the 1,000 hectares that the Undurraga family own, much is not vineyard and looks likely to be declared a park or preserve.