Wine Club: Itata, Home of Ancient Vines

A sense of place.

We love this concept. Every one of the wines we curate for you is honest, true to the grape variety, and speaks of its home.

The Itata Valley in southern Chile, has been under vines for almost 500 years in Chile and has proven in recent years to have every bit of the potential of some of the world’s greatest regions, thanks to its soil and super old vines - in some cases planted over 300 years ago and still producing grapes!

Mostly grantitic, the soils in Itata, along with gentle breezes, a relatively cool climate, and centuries old traditions buffered from the modernization of wine by its remote location, give the valley excellent terroir. This star gazing region is full of rolling hills, rivers and streams, with many mornings of rolling fog and sunny afternoons and a delicate wind circulating from the Pacific Ocean. Being free of phylloxera, Itata is one of the homes of the oldest living vines in the world, along with some areas in Maule Valley, also in Chile. Many of these ancient vineyards in Itata are maintained via dry farming (no irrigation) practices. Local viñateros eschew chemicals and byproducts from farms, relying instead on their love the land, many human hands, and literal horse power to plow and naturally fertilize the farms. These low intervention/sustainable winemaking practices are centuries old tradition! 

The wines you will enjoy at home reflect the identity and history of Itata. We focus on “tintos livianos” with this release to help you enjoy the extra sunshine as the days of spring get longer.

First, from “Clos des Fous,” we present a masterful intro to the region based on old vine Cinsault, with Pais and Carignan to give extra personality, minerals, and an austere fruit profile with a smoky backbone.

The second wine showcases old vine País, and is a magical expression of the first variety planted by the Spaniards. Both of these delightfully gripping wines will have you reaching for a second glass. For Pinot Noir, Grenache and Nebbiolo lovers you will truly enjoy these historic fermented juices from Itata!

Come grab your Wine Club and taste what we mean by “a sense of place.”