“There's no such thing as being lost in a vineyard. You're always in the right place.”
— unknown
What makes our vineyard unique?
THE PLANTINGS
Our densely planted vineyard sprawls upward across the hill, boasting 21,000 vines intricately arranged to optimize growth and grape quality. Using the echalas style, our vines learn to love each other in their 1m x 1m proximity. This density—like we saw in our travels to the Hermitage region of France and the Priorat area of Spain—results in vines competing with one another, the stress therein yielding the finest quality grapes.
Amidst this lush landscape, 11 different grape varieties flourish under the attentive care of skilled laborers who meticulously tend to each vine by hand. Due to the nature of the echalas system and our dense plantings, mechanization is not an option. Alas, personal attention yields optimum fruit.
THE CLIMATE
As the sun rises, a gentle morning fog originating from the nearby ocean, envelops the vines, bestowing a mystical aura upon the vineyard. As the day progresses, a refreshing afternoon breeze sweeps through the vines, carrying whispers of the terroir and invigorating the grapes. The adjacent Tinguiririca River, the canal which runs through the vineyard, the not-so-distant Humbolt current, and the optimal latitude and Mediterranean climate all contribute to the ideal atmosphere wherein grapes dance and sing. The diurnal difference and well-aerated microclimate lend to a harmonious blend of natural elements, which combined with human dedication, culminates in wines that embody the essence of the land.
THE TERROIR
About 34 million years ago fauna roamed this area of Chile, and their fossils are entombed in the volcanic mudflows and ash layers of the nearby massive, active Tinguiririca volcano. The Tinguiririca River arises here in the Andes and flows in front of our property on its way to Lago Rapel and the nearby Pacific Ocean. The Humbolt current that flows along this area of the Pacific is responsible for our arid environment. Our terroir is uniquely influenced by the confluence of these factors, creating wines with distinctive characteristics.
The river’s mineral rich waters irrigate the vines, contributing to their development, while the granite soil imparts unique structure and depth to the grapes. Combined with the arid climate that fosters the slow ripening of the fruit with enhanced flavor concentration and complexity, our wines possess a balance of minerality, intense fruit, and vibrancy, reflecting the essence of our terroir.
THE LOCATION
Agua Santa—the locals named this stretch of the river holy water in respect of the miracles performed in and around our stretch of the river. Our nearest neighbors are the world-renowned vineyards of Montes, Vik, and Clos Apalta. We sit in the middle of the Colchagua Valley. It is a place where all our surroundings hold the promise of grape-filled dreams and sun-kissed vines.
