Chilean Producer
Bodegas y Viñedos de Aguirre was founded in 2002 and has witnessed growth that can only be described as extraordinary (averaging 40% year-on-year for the last six years).
The foundation on which the winery was built is aligned with Terra Bendita’s approach to business: to seek long term partnerships with importers in the export markets; and, provide a trustworthy source of great value, consistently superb wines.
A family owned and operated company, Bodegas y Viñedos de Aguirre is looking to continue growing, coupled with ongoing reinvestment programs for both the infrastructure and personnel so that its growth is properly supported.
The winery currently owns five hundred and twenty hectares, encompassing five valleys, together with a further five hundred hectares under management with long term contracts.
Casablanca
Close to the Pacific Ocean, this valley was originally planted with Chardonnay. Largely made up of sandy-clay soil with almost no organic material, together with heavy morning mists, this area is quite perfect for white wines. There is a scarcity of water and the climate is cold, which gives for mineral notes and highly elegant wines.
Leyda
Situated just south of Casablanca, Leyda nestles against the Pacific, enjoying its maritime climate of cooling breezes. Wineries first planted white grapes and Pinot Noir, though eventually other fashionable cool-climate red grape varieties were planted. Here one can find high natural acidity, beautiful colour and again the mineral notes come through from the ocean’s climatic influence.
Maipo Valley
Settled around Santiago, Maipo is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignons, with their characteristic eucalyptus notes. It stretches from the foothills of the Andes Mountains in the east (Alto Maipo) through to the Coastal Mountain Range, with an array of terroirs in between. With a wealth of different climates and soil types this valley, while predominantly the producer of red varieties, in some areas also has optimal growing conditions for white varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. A versatile growing region indeed.
Colchagua Valley
Around 130 kms south of Santiago (a two-hour drive), Colchagua is in fact a sub-valley of Rapel Valley (which also comprises Cachapoal). This region also stretches from the Andean foothills through to within easy reach of the Pacific Ocean. Most of the wineries are huddled around Santa Cruz, with its enchanting town square and attractive tourist offerings. Colchagua is pretty much a red variety valley, and typically one can often detect dark chocolate notes which is characteristic of the region.
Maule Valley
The largest of Chile’s wine regions, Maule Valley is further south still (around 280 kms south of Santiago). Benefiting from recent investment and winemakers hunting out new terroirs, this is probably the valley which will be most interesting to watch over the coming years. Generally, the cooler climate gives for fruit-forward wines, with incredible natural freshness (which go hand-in-hand with a general tendency, in international markets, away from the heavy use of oak). Maule wineries are often focused on preserving the natural qualities of the grape and faithfully showcasing these in the wines themselves.
