02 Jun RESCUING THE HERITAGE OF CARIGNAN
Since our beginnings, at Viña Morandé we have felt a deep commitment to the history, land, and people who have shaped Chilean viticulture. It was precisely this commitment that led us, in 2009, to be part of a visionary group of producers who founded the association “VIGNO”, with a G for Carignan. This initiative was born with a clear purpose: to rescue and preserve the invaluable heritage represented by the Carignan grape in the dry-farmed areas of the Maule Valley.
Carignan is a variety that has been present in Chile for decades, cultivated under extreme conditions using traditional methods—head-trained, dry-farmed old vines grown in the austere soils of the secano (non-irrigated land). These unique characteristics not only define its origin but also give it an intense, complex personality that is deeply tied to the land and its people. Through VIGNO, we aim to honor this legacy and project it into the future with a modern, responsible, and sustainable perspective.
The VIGNO association operates under clear principles: protecting the identity of the grape, ensuring fair conditions for growers, and maintaining high standards of quality. To label a wine as VIGNO, it must contain at least 85% Carignan from vines over 30 years old, located in the dry-farmed Maule region, and must undergo a minimum aging of 24 months, whether in bottle or other containers. Additionally, securing a fair price for the grapes is essential, as it dignifies the work of small farmers and strengthens the local economy.
Following these guidelines, at Viña Morandé we developed our own VIGNO—a blend of Carignan and Syrah, sourced from ancient vines in the Maule secano. This wine represents not only an exceptional expression of the variety but also a statement of principles: it is our way of honoring a winemaking past filled with effort and wisdom, while also projecting a future where authenticity holds the place it deserves.
Morandé VIGNO has a deep, vibrant purple-red color. On the nose, it reveals aromas of sour cherries, red berries, black plums, and subtle violet notes, alongside hints of coffee and dark chocolate. On the palate, it is tense and vibrant, with juicy red fruit like raspberries and cherries, firm tannins, and great persistence, promising excellent aging potential.
Being part of the VIGNO association has undoubtedly been one of the most enriching experiences for us as a winery. It stands as one of the most innovative initiatives in Chilean wine—not only for its oenological proposal but also for the positive impact it has on the Maule community and for Chile’s international projection as a producer of wines with identity, origin, and added value. At Viña Morandé, we remain committed to this path, convinced that wine can—and must—tell stories that go beyond the glass.