Vina Maitia 2023 'Aupa' Pipeno, Maule Valley

Pipeño is an old style of Chilean wine that was produced in a simple manner and meant to be enjoyed by farmers. While pipeño historically has a reputation as a quaff some folks drink like water, David Marcel and Loreto Garau, owners and operators of Viña Maitia, believe pipeño is a Chilean wine tradition worth preserving.

Vineyard Notes: The vineyard is located in Loncomilla, Maule, in a valley which benefits from a sub-humid Mediterranean climate where high temperatures in the summer are cooled by the breeze from the Humboldt current in the Pacific Ocean. This 10-hectare, 120-year-old, dry farmed vineyard of low-yielding bush vines is worked without intervention and with a sustainable approach of viticulture. The País grape, also known as Mission grape, has a reputation for low acid and light color, and is a grape variety in decline in Chile. Viña Maitia’s País develops extraordinary concentration and flavor. Old Vine Carignan is added for additional structure, color and acidity.

Vinification: Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with natural yeast in cement vats. Carbonic maceration occurs for half of the lots to emphasize the fruit. Carignan is whole cluster fermented. Maturation occurs in neutral vessels. Wine is lightly filtered before bottling with low SO2.

Tasting Notes: The wine is light in color with bright notes of raspberry, cherry, and rose petals that lead into underlying hints of dried herbs, fennel seeds, oregano and thyme. This fruit driven, easy drinking wine has fresh acid and low tannin. It’s a perfect summertime red that can be enjoyed with a range of casual fare (including seafood) throughout the evening. Serve chilled.