Day 2 of our Chile tour took us west to the Pacific coast and the San Antonio valley. From the sun baked foothills of the Andes yesterday, we drove through a misty Casablanca Valley and emerged in the town of Lo Abarca which is home to Casa Marin.
Founded by Maria Luz Marin in 2000, it is a pioneering winery in many aspects. Maria Luz was the first woman to own a winery in Chile and set up in the San Antonio valley despite receiving huge amounts of advice not to –the cool maritime climate was believed to be too difficult for quality viticulture.
Well, how the critics have been proved wrong. Casa Marin has achieved an excellent reputation for cool climate Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and even Syrah. With vineyards just a few kilometres from the ocean and benefiting from cooling mists and higher amounts of rainfall than further inland, it is a completely different operating environment to what we have seen so far.
Marco, a five language speaking Italian, showed us round the winery and talked us through the estate and a contrasting set of wines that eminently demonstrated the cool climate style.
After a pleasant two course lunch in their Bianco restaurant, we headed to Matetic winery – just twenty minutes away.
We visited Matetic back in 2015 and we opted for their organic and biodynamic tour which turned into a truly amazing three hour journey of discovery.
Hosted by an incredible guy called Yosthon, who is head of tourism, we took a walk around the estate taking in biodynamic preparations, cow horns, chickens and geese and gaining a deep insight into the philosophy of Matetic.
It was, quite simply, one of the best illustrations of organic and biodynamic viticulture that I have ever heard and Yosthon spoke with passion, energy and unbridled enthusiasm for the whole three hours. Their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah that we tasted at the end of the visit were absolutely top class.
Another super day.
