Producer Profile
Vina Maitia
"Chilean wine" often evokes images of large wineries churning out clean, ripe, and fruity international varietals across multiple brands. However, Viña Maitia represents a departure from this norm, embodying a new wave in Chilean winemaking characterized by smaller producers, lesser-known regions, older vineyards, and a more hands-off approach to crafting wines.
Situated in the Maule Valley, approximately 300 km south of Santiago, Viña Maitia specializes in Vinos de Autoros, or artisanal wines, led by the husband-and-wife team of David Marcel, a French/Basque vigneron, and Loreta Garau, a Chilean enologist.
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Where The Wines Come From
Maule
Nestled in the heart of Chile, the Maule Valley is a historic wine region that has recently embraced the principles of natural winemaking with fervor and dedication. Situated in the central part of the country, Maule benefits from a diverse range of microclimates, from coastal influences to Andean foothills, providing a rich tapestry of terroir. Indigenous grape varieties such as Pais and Carignan thrive in this environment, producing grapes of exceptional quality and character. Winemakers in Maule are increasingly turning to organic and biodynamic farming methods, prioritizing sustainability and respect for the land. In the cellar, minimal intervention is the guiding principle, with spontaneous fermentations and aging in neutral vessels allowing the true expression of the grapes and terroir to shine through. The resulting natural wines from Maule are a testament to the region's rich winemaking heritage, with their vibrant fruit flavors, elegant textures, and a sense of place that captures the spirit of Chile's winemaking tradition.
