Inacayal, La Cueva, Valle del Maule, Chile

Luca Hodgkinson hails from Priorat, Spain. With an English father and French mother, he seemed destined to travel. A long time consultant in Chile and with his own business sourcing grapes from sustainable, often organic vineyards for other producers, it only seems natural he would want to do the whole process himself.

Luca created this wine and its white partner, La Patagua, with the aim of being excellent value, made as naturally as possible, to faithfully reflect the place they come from and rediscover the tradition of winemaking in Chile.

The big, safe, MOTR Merlots and Cabs of Chile are deeply familiar but sadly often just a bit boring. This wine hails back to a pre-industrial style of winemaking and the original varieties including Pais. The grapes are grown in old, dry  farmed vineyards in an area known as ' La Cueva del Leon' - legend has it once the hiding place of a lion.

The grapes are destemmed before a natural fermentation occurs with wild yeast, then aged in a big old French oak tank that holds 10,500 litres.

Light bodied, juicily fruity and soft. A lovely wine for Pinot Noir lovers and ideal a bit cool.

Producer - Luca Hodgkinson
Country - Chile
Region - Valle Del Maule
Appellation - San Javier
Variety / Blend - 70% Pais, 18.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11.5% Carignan
Wine Style - Red Wine
Farming - Organic
Vegan