Hailing from a corner of the Secano Costero in the Itata Valley—an area that offers virtually unique conditions in Chile—El Cabernet de Ránquil emerges as a truly exceptional and distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon that is already drawing attention from both national and international wine critics.

The grapes for El Cabernet de Ránquil come from the historic La Capilla vineyard, over 130 years old and located in the Ránquil area, a part of the Secano Costero in the Itata Valley. These old Cabernet Sauvignon vines were originally head-trained at an extremely low density (2,100 plants/ha), and today remain in a nearly free-standing trellis system, supported only by the minimal wires needed to hold the shoots. The granite soils, rich in quartz, offer excellent water retention and balanced drainage—making this small 1.96-hectare vineyard a true natural gem. It brings together conditions that are almost impossible to replicate in Chile and gives the wine a completely new profile for Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon.

The project is rooted in a terroir-driven philosophy, with deep respect for the land and Chile’s rural winemaking tradition, combining ancestral and modern techniques to produce an honest wine with a character remarkably different from its peers.

With a limited production of only 2,000 bottles, El Cabernet de Ránquil represents the result of a century-long dedication by a family that has preserved this vineyard across generations, and the innovative vision of Viña Morandé, a pioneer in the revival of Chile’s viticultural heritage. This unique combination challenges everything we’ve come to know about great Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon.

“Innovation is in our DNA at every step of the winemaking process, starting with our curiosity to explore new regions and terroirs,” says Ricardo Baettig, Chief Winemaker at Viña Morandé. “El Cabernet de Ránquil is a truly unique wine, with extraordinary character and distinction that sets it apart. It expresses the purest essence of Chilean terroir and challenges us to rethink what a great Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon can be,” he adds.

The Cabernet Sauvignon vines in this family-owned vineyard grow in a semi-independent system, supported by just a couple of guiding wires. The estate spans 80 hectares of native forest and 17 hectares of vineyards, of which only 1.96 hectares are dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, surrounding the old village of Ránquil, locally known as La Capilla. The vineyard, still plowed using horse-drawn equipment, is planted on its own roots.

Baettig continues: “El Cabernet de Ránquil represents the culmination of a century of care and dedication by a family that has maintained this vineyard through generations, combined with the pioneering spirit and innovative vision of Viña Morandé. We recognize how rare it is today to work with vineyards of this age, origin, quality, and grape variety. That’s why we’ve devoted ourselves to interpreting these grapes in the purest way possible—highlighting not just their character, but above all, their authentic uniqueness.”

El Cabernet de Ránquil 2020 was crafted with deep respect for the land and the traditional winemaking practices of the Chilean countryside, using a thoughtful combination of both ancient and modern techniques. Aged for 16 months in French oak barrels and an additional two years in bottle, only 2,000 bottles of this wine are available worldwide.