Conquistadors, Chile and Cabernet
How a poor boy from Spain finally made good
by Dave Shultz
 Diego de Almagro had a
rather inauspicious start to life. The illegitimate son of Spanish
parents ill prepared to face dishonor, he was raised by a cruel uncle until
he finally ran away to seek his fortune at the age of fifteen. He
didn't fare very well. Working as a servant for the mayor of Seville
wasn't what he had in mind and when he injured another servant in a fight,
even that low position was stripped from him as he was forced to flee to
avoid prison.
He did what lots of young felons do to avoid prosecution. He joined
the military. In his case, the armada of Pedrarias Davila who was
bound for the recently discovered new world. He landed in America on
June 30, 1514 and promptly gave up life on the high seas and became a
farmer. Sadly, that life didn't suit him well either and he decided
maybe an expedition with a couple of friends named Pizarro and Luque to Peru
might be just the ticket. So, by 1524 after they received permission from
the King to conquer the Incas, they headed south.
In 1532, Peru fell to the Spanish conquistadors and things started
looking up for Diego. He made a lot of money, was awarded the title of
"Don" by the King and was assigned a personal coat of arms. During
this period the Incas who didn't fare well against armor and horses were at
least smart enough to figure out the Spaniards were really crazy about gold.
Not being too fond of the Spaniards who were occupying their country, they
started the rumor that Chile had lots of gold. The streets were
practically paved with the stuff.
That was all Diego needed to hear. He took off with 100 horsemen
and 100 men on foot to dig up some streets. To say he was disappointed
with the streets of Chile was a serious understatement. He didn't hang
around too long and actually went back to Peru to kick some Inca butt.
 However, before he pulled
up stakes and beat a hasty retreat, he planted the European Vitis vinifera vines
he brought along thinking he was going to be a Chilean resident for quite a
while. Digging up gold streets can be time consuming and is very
thirsty work. So Chile can thank Diego de Almargro for not hanging
around too long and oh yes, thanks for the vino!
Although the Spanish established the first vineyards in the area, the
most profound influence on wine production came from the French who
introduced the Bordeaux style of winemaking. It seems that being born
Spanish and growing up French was the perfect combination for the wine
industry in Chile. Today, it's developed into a distinctly Chilean
product that's proud of its roots but wants you to understand that it's
matured beyond its ancestors.
Chilean wines consistently rank very highly in international competitions
in blind tastings and are very competitively priced for the export market.
If you haven't yet tried Chilean wine, surprise yourself and your guests and
sample some of the excellent products available in most areas. Whether
white or red, there is a wine for every palate and cuisine to be found among
the many exports from Chile.
There are fourteen distinct wine growing regions in Chile, each with
their own variations of soil, sun, rain and temperature that make wine
production unique by region. There are two regions very close to
Santiago that are easy to visit when you fly into Chile. The San
Antonio and Maipo regions. There are many fine wineries within a very
short drive from Santiago and one, the Santa Carolina Winery is actually in
the city proper and is a must see when you visit Santiago.
Santa Carolina
 Santa Carolina's
founder, Luis Pereyra Cotapos, left France for South America and found not
only the perfect land for his vineyard but the love of his life, Carolina
Iñiguez Vicuña. He named the winery out of his love for his wife and
her portrait still dominates the trophy room of the original home they
occupied while developing some of the finest wines in Chile.
 He moved French wine
professionals and their families to Chile and with them came the grapevines
of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay that were
planted in the finest lands of the Central Valley of Chile. He also
imported French architect Emile Doyeré who designed and constructed the
principal warehouse of the winery.
 This incredible
warehouse remains intact and functional today; and it was declared a
National Monument in 1973 for its architectural beauty and excellent state
of conservation. This  warehouse
is the only remaining industrial building in Chile that was constructed
using the technique of binding bricks with a lime-based mortar (lime & egg
whites) and had an old world beauty unrivaled in any modern facility.
Carolina Wine Brands has developed their century plus experience into an
export business that reaches over 80 countries with annual sales exceeding 2
million 9 liter cases with 75% of that being for export.
 Some of the Santa
Carolina wine family consists of...
VSC is Viña Santa Carolina flagship wine. The grapes were sourced from
some of VSC’s oldest (10 to 90 years old) and most traditional vineyards in
the Maipo and Rapel valleys.
The Reserva de Familia was the first line of fine wines produced by Don
Luis Pereira in 1875 for their private consumption and special occasions.
Santa Carolina’s Wine "Specialties” family is composed by the wines that
come from new terroirs were the grapes are in perfect balance with the soil
and climate. This Carignan from Cauquenes comes from more than 80 years old
vineyard. Irrigation is not needed due to high development of the vines root
system. The rain during fall season is enough to ensure water supply to the
plants and the sun ripens the grapes perfectly over the long Chilean summer.
Barrica Selection wines are a small-production, super premium wines from
selected vineyards in the best areas for each variety. The careful grape
sourcing, vineyard attention and gentle aging in French oak barriques, allow
these wines to achieve the level of sophistication and quality needed.
The Reserva wines are the perfect introduction to a more elegant Chilean
style. The line includes a Sauvignon Blanc from Rapel Valley and a Cabernet
Sauvignon from Colchagua Valley (Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Wine Region of
the year for 2005).
The Special Collection is a line of single varietal unoaked wines with
a fresh and fruity style. The grapes come from the Rapel Valley, an area
with varied terrain and climate known for producing red and white quality
wines.
Vistaña is an entry line of blended wines. The grapes come from the
Central Valley. These soft, young and fruity wines are Ideal for every day
consumption. Its name means “Mountain View” in Spanish.
Matetic
  The
Matetic Winery may not be as old as some but it certainly has earned a
reputation for producing some unique and award winning wines from its state
of the art facility. The Matetic family chose the Rosario Valley of
the San Antonio Wine region to launch their organic winemaking project.
 The grapes are handpicked
during harvest and then only the best are chosen and separated from the rest
for wine production. These are transferred for fermentation to the
stainless steel tanks used for high-quality wine production. Automatic
temperature-control assures perfect fermentation and since fermentation is
carried out in small volumes, this encourages more personalized care for
each tank resulting in a more complete, complex finished product.
 The Matetic Wine Cellar
was designed to achieve the optimum conditions to store and age wines.
Temperature, humidity, and light were all factors in creating a cellar with
the perfect conditions
The wines are kept in this cellar for months in silence and low light in
French oak barrels giving the wines a very refined aroma and flavor.
 One of the unique aspects
of the Matetic winery is the guest house and restaurant located on 22
beautifully landscaped acres of woods and vineyards. The
colonial  guest house built
in the early twentieth century is restored to perfection with every modern
convenience. Located only thirty minutes from Santiago and Valparaiso,
it's the perfect spot to relax in the country but still be close to the
action of the city or the coast.
  The Vina Matetic
Restaurant is the showplace of Chef Matías Bustos who uses local ingredients
for both traditional and inspired fusion dishes. The view from the
restaurant will add to the pleasure of the dining experience as white swans
glide across the lake reflecting the hills and vines surrounding the
circular dining room.
 Some of the
Matetic wines consist of...
EQ: EQ is short for equilibrium. This concept stands for the
commitment Matetic vineyards has with nature in creating a harmony between
the soil, the climate and the vines. The varieties are: Sauvignon Blanc,
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.
Corralillo : Corralillo represents the name of the still-standing
century-old wine cellar and winery in Rosario Valley where wine of the old
Mission grape was once made. The varieties are Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer,
Syrah and a red blend.
Matetic : The Matetic Family has been pioneers in cultivating Syrah in
the cool climate of the San Antonio Valley. In the old soil of granite
origin found on our Rosario property, the fruit ripens slowly giving us the
highest quality grapes. The organic technique of caring for the vines
allows them to preserve their natural balance and express their authentic
characteristics. The optimum quality of the grapes, the careful attention to
every detail, and our passion for Syrah give life to this truly exceptional
wine.
Undurraga
 The Undurraga Winery is
also located in the Maipo region close to Santiago. Don Francisco
Undurraga, the founder  of
Vina Undurraga personally brought vines from France and Germany in the 19th
century and with the supervision of French viticulturist M. Pressac,
developed the first vineyards in the Santa Ana Estate. The first
planting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot,
 Pinot Noir, Riesling, and
Gewürztraminer was  accomplished
in 1885 and by 1903, the first shipments of wine were sent to the United
States.
After 120 years of fine wine making tradition, the Undurraga brands of
wine are present in over sixty countries on all five continents.
 Some of the
Undurraga wines consist of...
Altazor: Viña Undurraga's finest expression of winemaking. An
homage to innovation, created to invigorate the spirits of those who
appreciate finer pleasures.
Founder’s Collection: Founder’s Collection has become their greatest pride,
directly from the foundational house itself. Its lineage and unique
personality known around the world makes this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon an
indispensable collector’s item.
T.H.: They are searching the length and breadth of Chile. Wines which can
become the reference for a terroir. Wines based on the nobility of grapes,
which express their origin. Wines with Soul.
Sibaris: Anyone who loves wine knows. They know it is an art, an
expression of life, a constant search for excellence. They also
understand the complexity and the intimacy of fine wines. This line
has been created for all those “connoisseurs”, the Undurraga Sibaris line,
wines of exceptional quality and unique characteristics.
Late Harvest: Undurraga has created its Late Harvest as a commitment to
outstanding wine making. It consists of a series of individual wines of
exceptional character and quality which are ideal pairings to imaginative
cuisines from all over the world.
 Aliwen: The true value
of Aliwen lies in its diversity and exploration, expressing the authentic
quality of its spirit through its Assemblages, a spirit capable of
harmonious blends that transport its consumers to a mystical world that
turns to reality on their palates. An encounter inspired by our most
ancestral roots.
Varietals: The enthusiasm of youth paints a picture of perfection with
this modern Undurraga line. Uncomplicated wines, perfect daily
companions due to their versatility and friendly structure. Strength
and vitality at the service of everyday life.
If you go
No visit to Chile would be complete without sampling the wines that have
made this region so famous among international wine competitions.
There isn't any region of Chile that doesn't produce a unique variety of
wines so by all means, experiment and find the ones that suit your style and
palate best and once you've discovered that perfect wine, lift a glass in a
toast to Diego. He was a conqueror the locals were glad to see the
last of but he left behind the beginning of something special that endures
even today.
Santa Carolina Winery
(56-2) 450 30 00
Til Til
2228, Macul
Santiago, Chile
http://www.santacarolina.com
Matetic Winery
Hernando de Aguirre 430
Providencia,
Santiago, Chile
(56-2) 232 3134
http://www.mateticvineyards.com/
Undurraga Winery
Av.Vitacura 2939 Edif.Millenium P.21
Las Condes / Santiago - Chile
(56-2) 372 2900
http://www.undurraga.cl/Sitio/en/
Turismo Chile
http://www.tourismchile.com/
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