The Keys to House of Morandé’s Success as Chile’s Iconic Wine for Two Consecutive Years

House of Morandé is more than just a wine; it’s a symbol of exceptional terroir, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Each bottle embodies Viña Morandé’s dedication to showcasing the best of the Alto Maipo region, blending its most renowned red varieties into a Bordeaux-style wine with a unique Chilean identity.

The story of House of Morandé dates to the founding of Viña Morandé, led by pioneer Pablo Morandé. In the 1980s, he redefined Chilean viticulture by establishing vineyards in the Casablanca Valley, opening new paths for the industry. Yet, his focus was also on the Alto Maipo, where he found an ideal terroir to craft a wine representing the area’s elegance. House of Morandé was envisioned as a Bordeaux-style blend that captures the essence of this region, standing as a testament to Chile’s potential to compete internationally.

This wine has always been a blend centered on Cabernet Sauvignon, enhanced by complementary red varieties like Cabernet Franc and Carignan, achieving a robust, balanced assembly. Though the original vineyard site has changed, the wine’s essence remains rooted in the slopes of Cerro Chena in San Bernardo, in the heart of Alto Maipo. Here, third-terrace alluvial soils, rich in gravel and clay, provide an ideal structure for developing high-quality wines.

Viña Morandé’s commitment to innovation has led to House of Morandé’s continuous evolution. In 2014, Ricardo Baettig, Viña Morandé’s current chief winemaker, took over and introduced changes that accentuated the blend’s character and quality. From the 2014 harvest, and especially in 2017, Baettig implemented new vineyard management techniques, including earlier harvests, reduced irrigation, and canopy management, preserving the wine’s freshness and structure while adapting it to modern trends without losing its traditional essence.

One of the most remarkable advancements in House of Morandé’s winemaking process has been the use of both barrels and large format foudres for aging. After 12 months in barrels, the wine rests an additional six months in German and French oak foudres with light toasting. This aging process adds a refined aromatic profile and well-integrated tannic structure, enhancing the Alto Maipo elegance. Additionally, the wine is decanted for two months before bottling and rests for an extra year, ensuring each bottle reaches its optimal state upon release.

House of Morandé stands out for its balance of fruit and tannic structure. Its aromatic profile includes notes of red and black fruits, especially berries, mingling with mineral and spicy undertones. On the palate, it provides a robust experience, with well-integrated acidity balancing its structure. The tannins are firm yet elegant, offering longevity and a tasting experience meant to be savored.

For those seeking a wine that combines tradition with modernity, House of Morandé delivers a unique experience, offering the elegance and depth that only a wine of its caliber can provide. National and international critics have widely recognized it, with its 2018 vintage receiving 99 points from La Cav, 98 points from Descorchados, 95 points from James Suckling and Decanter, and 94 points from Vinous Media.

 

 

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