By Claudia Meneses
Elected as the winery of 2022 by the Descorchados Guide, Viña Morandé is “a determining factor in the recent history of Chilean wine,” according to Patricio Tapia, the organizer of the publication. The winery maintains the adventurous and disruptive spirit that its founder, winemaker Pablo Morandé, instilled from the beginning and is one of the most dynamic wineries in the country since the 1990s. According to Tapia’s assessment, their wines reveal both the diversity of Chilean terroirs and the richness of the grapes.
Morandé is recognized for innovations such as producing wines with Mediterranean varieties like Cinsault, Carignan, and Garnacha; using concrete eggs for fermentation; and producing the first late harvest wine in Chile. The winery also employs high-density planting, aiming to keep the vines smaller. As a result, the plants end up with fewer bunches, and the grapes exhibit a higher concentration of aromas, flavors, and phenolic compounds. There are over 10,000 plants per hectare, with each vine producing one kilogram of grapes.
Descorchados also highlighted the classic House of Morandé 2019 (R$699), which received 98 points in the guide, being chosen as the best red wine in Chile. It also won awards for the best red blend and best wine from Maipo Andes. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Carignan, sourced from vineyards in the San Bernardo region of Maipo Alto. According to Tapia, the work of the winery’s head winemaker, Ricardo Baettig, and his team aims to create more balanced and fresh wines without sacrificing depth and complexity.
Tapia also highlighted the Morandé Adventure collection, which he describes as “a flavor journey similar to the sensation of a roller coaster.” This line was introduced to Brazil in the second half of the year, with the goal of combining innovation with Chilean history. Created in 2012, it is the brainchild of four winemakers from the group, who have the freedom to be daring and produce unique wines.
The names behind the Adventure line are Daniela Salinas, Ricardo Baettig, Cristián Carrasco, and Jorge Martínez.
Vigno 2018 – Crafted with Carignan (87%) and Syrah (13%) grapes from vineyards over 65 years old in the Maule Valley. The label aims to showcase the excellence of Carignan and its ability to harmonize with other Mediterranean varieties, such as Syrah. The grapes were handpicked, and there was a selection of clusters and berries before starting a cold pre-fermentation maceration for 3 to 5 days. Fermentation was followed by another maceration. The wine remained in contact with the skins for over 30 days. It then aged for 24 months in untoasted French oak foudres and a portion in third-use French barrels. It has an intense purple-red color. The aromas are of fresh cherries and black plums, with hints of violet, coffee, and dark chocolate. It pairs well with game stews, spicy dishes, steak tartare, feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew), and roasted lamb. The aging potential is over 10 years.
Mediterráneo 2018 – It is a blend of Mediterranean white and red grapes, such as Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Marsanne, and Roussanne, with the signature of Ricardo Baettig. The vineyards are located in the Maule Valley. The grapes are handpicked. Cold pre-fermentation maceration was performed, and then the wine remained in contact with the skins for nearly 30 days. It has a ruby color. On the nose, there are notes of red fruits and spices.
El Padre 2018 – It is crafted with Cabernet Franc and Carignan grapes in the Maipo Valley. It received this name because Cabernet Franc is “the father” of Cabernet Sauvignon and has given rise to an exceptional lineage of wines produced for centuries. It bears the signature of winemaker Cristián Carrasco. It has a deep ruby color with purple reflections. The aromas are of black fruits, coffee, and chocolate, with notes of vanilla and cloves. It pairs well with lean meats and mature cheeses.
Creole 2019 – This blend of 85% Cinsault and 15% Pais carries the signature of Ricardo Baettig. The vineyards are solely irrigated by rainfall. It received its name due to the origins of the grape varieties, which have been present in Chilean culture for many years in vineyards in the southern part of Chile. Carbonic maceration was performed, and a 2,000-liter concrete egg was used in the vinification process. It was aged in this concrete egg and in used French barrels for six months. It has a ruby color, and the aromas are of raspberry, with earthy and spicy notes. It pairs well with cured meats, firm-textured cheeses, pasta with red sauces, and lean meats.
Rio de Janeiro – Du Vin Carioca
Minas Gerais – Espaço do Vinho
São Paulo – Encontre Vinhos, Le Petit Sommelier, Canard Dore, Cultura do Vinho, Setwines
Bahia – Canard Dore
Paraná – Mise en Place Distribuição, Casa da França (Curitiba), Adega Pilandro (Curitiba), Família Scopel – Ahu (Curitiba), Enoteca Decanter (Londrina)
Ceará – Opção Distribuidora