2011 Viña VIK, Milla Cala, Cachapoal Valley, Chile

Viña VIK

Viña VIK is owned and run by Alex and Carrie VIK, who set out to make world-class wines from the Calchapoal Valley. After two years of scientific research, they settled on Millahue Valley. Amid the foothills of the Andes, this area is named “Lugar de Oro”, or “Golden Place” by the native Mapuche people. Designer by Chilean architect Smiljan Radic, the striking winery is set against the sweeping landscape Viña VIK calls home.

The 327 hectares are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. VIK’s terroir comprises 12 individual valleys, each with its own distinctive microclimate. What unites these unique plots is the cooling effects of the Pacific coastal breezes, paired with winds that descend from the Andes.

They are perhaps best known for their eponymous flagship wine – VIK. This Bordeaux-style blend benefits from French oak-barrel ageing. Chief Winemaker Cristian Vallejo ensures a low-intervention approach, with grapes being harvested by hand and natural fermentation.

Colchagua Valley

The Colchagua Valley is one of Chile’s most renowned wine regions for producing high-quality red wines. The winemaking is deeply rooted in tradition and innovation, making it a dynamic and exciting region for wine enthusiasts.

The Mediterranean climate has warm, dry summers and cooling influences from the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. This climate and well-drained soils provide excellent conditions for growing grape varieties, with a particular focus on red grapes.

The valley is famous for its red Bordeaux varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carménère. These grapes thrive in the region’s terroir and result in wines with rich flavours, ripe fruit characteristics, and well-integrated tannins. Carménère, in particular, has found a unique home in Colchagua Valley, as it was rediscovered here after being thought extinct for a long time.

Colchagua Valley Winemakers follow traditional and modern winemaking techniques. Many vineyards are hand-harvested to ensure the selection of only the best grapes. Using stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for ageing allows winemakers to craft wines with complexity and balance.

The region’s wineries range from small family-owned estates to large and well-known producers. Each winery strives to showcase the unique terroir of Colchagua Valley in its wines, resulting in a diverse range of styles and expressions.

Other Varieties

There are over 200 different grape varieties used in modern wine making (from a total of over 1000). Most lesser known blends and varieties are traditional to specific parts of the world.