23 Feb Vitis Única: wines with a sense of terroir
Continuing with the pioneering spirit that has always characterized Viña Morandé, from today the Gran Reserva line will receive the name of Vitis Única, as a way of honoring the vines and the characteristics of each of the terroirs from which their wines come. And it is that it is a portfolio of traditional strains, with outstanding origins and unconventional winemaking techniques, which are the result of a journey of exploration, passion and dedication.
The constant experimentation and audacity of Viña Morandé has allowed the creation of unprecedented wines in the industry, coming from different denominations of origin and made using various winemaking methods. This is how Morandé presents a portfolio recognized for its high quality and innovation that attracts curious consumers in search of unique and exceptional wines.
An example of this is the Vitis Única line, the name that the Gran Reserva line will receive from now on, and which is based on a portfolio of wines from traditional vines that come from the selection of specific sectors within each of its terroirs. This choice, together with unconventional winemaking techniques, such as manual stomping, fermentation with stalks, the use of foudres, presses, cement eggs and ceramic vats, to name a few, result in wines of great complexity, structure and elegance.
“Our wines are the reflection of our permanent pioneering spirit. Our concern to go further, discovering new strains, frontiers and techniques that allow us to present a portfolio of wines with a clear proposal of quality, innovation and avant-garde”, says Ricardo Baettig, winemaking director of Viña Morandé.
Emphasis on terroir
At Vitis Única, terroir is paramount. Through the selection of specific sectors of each of its vineyards, the Vitis Única portfolio seeks to enhance the typicity of each of its varieties. This is how these wines come from the main valleys of Chile: Casablanca, Maipo and Maule.
The Casablanca Valley is the cold climate valley par excellence in our country and is one of the great terroirs to produce white varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as fresh reds such as Pinot Noir. Its marine influence allows it to refresh the vineyards and favor a slow maturation of the vines, providing great freshness, balance and elegance to the wines. Of this origin are Vitis Única Chardonnay, a wine of great freshness and volume, unctuous, delicate, with a delicious balance between acidity and fruit; Vitis Única Sauvignon Blanc, complex in flavours, fresh, mineral with citrus notes of grapefruit, herbs and white-skinned peaches; and Vitis Única Pinot Noir, an intense wine, very fruity and floral, with a good body, elegant, complex and persistent.
The Maipo Valley is another of the most emblematic valleys of Chile. Its exceptional conditions for growing Bordeaux varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, have made it world-renowned. The great influence of the Andes Mountain, as well as its nutrient-poor alluvial soils, allow it to obtain great elegance and typicity in its wines.
From this valley are Vitis Única Cabernet Sauvignon, which stands out for its great body, abundant velvety tannins, and great aging potential; and Vitis Única Carmenère, a fruity, complex wine with earthy flavors and massive, velvety tannins.
Finally, the Maule Valley is the largest wine region in Chile and is also the one with the most diversity in geographical and climatic terms, which includes flat and sunny valleys, coastal hills and a long central corridor. The climate of this area is mainly Mediterranean, with great influence of cold wind from the Andes Mountain, which increases the daily thermal oscillation and reduces the period of maximum temperatures, helping the ripening of the fruit in good conditions. Vitis Única Mouvedre comes from this area, an unusual proposal within the portfolio of Chilean wines. It is a little-explored strain, but one with great potential, which in this wine translates into freshness, great aromas and an elegant body.