Rogue Vine Pipeño Tinto 2022

Rogue Vine is a project by winemakers Justin Decker and Leo Erazo. They had the desire to create distinct wines, wines with character! To accomplish this, they needed to locate vineyards with unique qualities, find Terroir units with exceptional attributes, and adopt a novel approach to winemaking. There seemed to be no other option available to them!

The overlooked ancient vineyards at the head of the arid terrain, on the verge of collapse, clinging to the granite hills of Itata, presented the perfect backdrop to put their ideas into action.In the present day, what they have discovered in Itata brings them immense joy! They have encountered an extraordinary Terroir and some vineyards that defy convention – they have encountered Rogue vines.

Itata Valley, located in southern Chile, is one of the country's oldest wine regions, with a history of viticulture dating back to the 1550s. The valley is situated around the convergence of the Itata and Ñuble rivers, with vineyards clustered near the towns of Chillán, Quillón, and Coelemu. The region covers approximately 100 kilometers from north to south.

The climate in Itata Valley is cool and influenced by the Pacific Ocean, resulting in higher rainfall and cloud cover than other Chilean wine regions. Despite this, the vineyards benefit from intense sunlight and warm summer days. The soil is predominantly sandy and clay loam deposited by the rivers, making it fertile and well-drained.

Traditionally, the valley was known for bulk wine production, primarily using the País and Muscat of Alexandria grape varieties. However, there has been a shift towards quality over quantity in recent decades. Modern winemakers have introduced varieties such as Carignan, Cinsault, and Cabernet Sauvignon alongside traditional grapes.

A blend of old and new techniques characterizes Itata Valley's wines. Traditional methods include dry-farming and old bush vines, which produce grapes with concentrated flavors. Pipeño, a rustic wine from País, reflects the region's ancestral winemaking practices. Additionally, modern innovations like the production of orange wines and sparkling wines are gaining popularity.

Notable wineries in Itata Valley include De Martino, known for its old-vine Cinsault, and A Los Viñateros Bravos, which produces wines that showcase the region's purest expressions. The valley's wines are known for their distinctive flavors, with red wines often exhibiting berry and spice notes and white wines showcasing the aromatic qualities of Muscat and Chardonnay.