HACIENDA VALDEPERILLO

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Nestled within the picturesque Aconcagua Valley, Hacienda Valdeperillo is a vineyard located approximately 25 miles from the Pacific Coast and 75 miles from the vibrant city of Santiago, Chile. The Aconcagua Valley, which derives its name from the majestic Aconcagua River coursing through it, is a place of historical significance where Spanish migrants first planted vines in the year 1550.

This valley, extending over approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) in length, is framed by the towering Andes mountains to the east and the inviting expanse of the Pacific Ocean to the west. At 32 degrees south latitude, the Aconcagua Valley shares its equivalent northern hemisphere latitude with regions spanning from northern Africa to the Middle East. This unique geographical positioning offers the valley a dual benefit – the shelter it receives from the arid winds of central Argentina's dry plains, thanks to the Andes, and the nourishing flow of freshwater and mineral-rich sediment from melting snow, sourced from the towering Mt. Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, standing at an impressive 22,841 feet (6,962 meters). Additionally, the Humboldt Current from the Pacific Ocean plays a vital role in maintaining a cooling influence in the region.

The predominant sandy soils of the Aconcagua region, while not particularly influential on grape flavors, have the advantage of rendering the area phylloxera-free. This characteristic, combined with the climatic conditions of the valley, facilitates the slow and consistent maturation of the vineyard's grapes, resulting in wines with a mature, full-bodied character, known for their top-quality varieties.

Hacienda Valdeperillo, a thriving organic and biodynamic farm, emerged from the aftermath of a devastating forest fire. Its journey commenced in September 2012, nurturing a vast expanse of 207 hectares (511 acres). Within this expansive natural landscape, a dedicated cultivation area is confined to just 3 hectares (7.4 acres), where a harmonious ecosystem thrives. Here, beehives support pollination, while chickens, sheep, and horses graze freely. The orchard flourishes, and meticulous care is given to nurturing vegetable and medicinal herb gardens.

"The farm is a living organism that must incarnate in place and time, developing its individuality, to contribute to the regeneration of the earth and the re-vitalization of the human being."

Embracing a philosophy of responsible viticulture, the dedicated team of Hacienda Valdeperillo recognizes that the essence of wine lies in the vineyard. They channel their unwavering energy into nurturing the very soul of the soil. Through the application of compost and biodynamic preparations, they establish a profound connection between the earth, the cosmos, and humanity.

The vineyard at Hacienda Valdeperillo, spanning a modest 1.92 hectares (4.75 acres), saw its inception in 2013. Within this limited space, 1.08 hectares are dedicated to Malbec, while 0.984 hectares are devoted to Syrah.

The journey towards crafting the wine of the year begins immediately after the culmination of the previous year's harvest. The grapevines undergo a cycle of dormancy, followed by the rejuvenation of spring, and a flourishing vigor in the summer, unveiling the intricate tapestry of a new vintage. We steadfastly refrain from the use of pesticides and herbicides.

Their meticulous approach to the vendimia (harvest) is marked by patience and precision, guided by the rhythms of the biodynamic astronomical calendar. The process commences at night to harness optimal temperatures and safeguard the vital essence of the fruit. This careful curation allows for a tranquil winemaking process.

The art of vinification begins naturally at the vineyard, eschewing external additives and relying on spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. In this way, they infuse the wine with their unique identity. The process unfolds within cement vats, a noble and thermally stable vessel that leaves the wine's inherent qualities undisturbed.