When we think of the elements that go into a premium wine, vine age is a huge factor. To personalize this, it's analogous to an older person who speaks with more wisdom due to their long lived experience - in other words, a higher quality output. We're accustomed to these high-end bottles being comprised of these lower yielding, older vines that have lots to say. And then there are the Pipeño style wines of Chile, who's price points make no sense.
Lomas de Llahuén is a boutique family project led by third-generation winemaker Gustavo Riffo in the dry, coastal area of Portezuelo within Chile's historic Itata Valley. The estate is deeply dedicated to preserving the country's viticultural heritage, cultivating ancient, own-rooted vines that range up to 200 years old! Farming is done without irrigation on granitic clay soils,. By focusing on low-intervention winemaking and native yeast fermentations, the winery crafts honest, highly drinkable "Pipeño" style wines that beautifully express the soul of the rural countryside.
Pipeño is a traditional, rustic winemaking style from Chile that dates back to the late 16th century. Historically considered a simple "peasant wine" made by rural farmers for everyday local consumption, it has recently been embraced by the international natural wine community for its honesty and high drinkability.
Our 2 Pack Includes:
2024 Lomas de Llahuen, 'Pipeño' Blanco [1 Liter] - Sourced from 70-year-old Moscatel de Alejandra vines rooted in granitic clay, it is made by destemming the grapes and macerating them on their skins during a two-week native yeast fermentation in stainless steel. This traditional, low-intervention approach yields a clean, high-energy profile highlighted by aromatic floral notes, dried apricots, tropical fruits, and a distinct stony mineral and briny finish.
2024 Lomas de Llahuen, 'Pipeño' Tinto [1 Liter] - The tinto is an ethereal and quaffable natural red crafted from ungrafted, 200-year-old País vines. Grapes are destemmed, fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks for up to 11 months. You are greeted by a bright, juicy, and thirst-quenching profile exploding with notes of fresh raspberry, tart cherry, blood orange, and a distinct rustic, smoky minerality.
These fresh and vibrant bottles are a lovely way to welcome the forthcoming sunny days of Spring. This is the best introduction to Chile's Pipeño wines from its best producer. The intent of these old vines is precision over complexity, which they have overacheived in these 2024 expressions. And, that's not a typo, they both are 1 Liter format!