Chilean Wine Lineup ~ Viñedos Emiliana Coyam

[PHOTO: Jo Diaz, all rights reserved]

1. Intro – Chilean Wines that Collectively Underline Chile’s Historic Commitments.
2. Chilean Wine Lineup ~ Viña Maquis Gran Reserva
3. Chilean Wine Lineup ~ Viña Koyle Family Vineyards
4. Chilean Wine Lineup ~ Viña Tarapacá
5. Chilean Wine Lineup ~ Viñedos Emiliana Coyam

 

Sustainability Efforts ~ Wines of Chile

Sustainable 365

The Wines of Chile Sustainable 365 program brought delectable samples to my door, from South America. The beginning of their terroir defined…

“In the ten years since its inception, SCWI has been adopted by all the country’s leading wine producer sand accounts for 80 percent of Chile’s bottled wine exports. Wines from certified producers correspond to123,550 acres of vineyard –slightly more than the acreage under vine of Napa Valley, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties combined. The code starts in the vineyard and winery, and covers the ‘usual suspects,’ such as energy, water efficiency, construction, the protection of biodiversity corridors, integrated pest-and weed-control strategies, plant material, contamination prevention, and transport and storage among many others. From the outset, Chile’s wine sustainability code was designed with a holistic approach. Explains Managing Director Patricio Parra, of the R&D Consortium Viños de Chile: ‘We aim to manage the whole company, not just specific wines. Our continuous improvement system allows wineries to advance step-by-step, an inclusive approach designed for any size winery.’ The code doesn’t stop at the winery door: The surrounding community, even consumers, are all part of the code’s universe.”

 

 

Colchagua Alto Valley Snapshots

FROM: André Dominé’s book, simply called Wine.

“Further South, the Rapel Valley contains the two main sub-regions of the Cachapoal Valley and the Colchagua Valley, and  comprises some 48,430 acres (19,600 ha) of vineyards planted on mainly alluvial soils at between 1,970 and 3.280 feet (600 and 1000 m) above sea level… It is a predominantly red wine region… p. 849-51

FROM: Jim Gordon’s Opus Vino

“Though few recognize it as such, South America is the wine world’s most prolific (and, arguably, historic) producer outside of Europe…Chile may be slender in stature, but it is home to dizzying geographical diversity and an efficient, market-oriented work-force. It delivers some of the world’s best value everyday bottles as well as even more challenging, terroir-driven wines of depth and elegance.” p.148

 

[PHOTO: Jo Diaz: all rights reserved]

Viñedos Emiliana Coyam 

From their text to me:

A pioneer in Chile, Emiliana is one of the world’s largest producers of organic and biodynamic wines in the world. Coyam comes from a vineyard on granite-based soils in Colchagua’s coastal mountain range. All the fruit is own-rooted and is a massal (field) selection of different varieties, except for the Syrah, which is a specific clone. Eight different varieties blend seamlessly to offer on the palate cherry and strawberry, Mediterranean herbs, black pepper, and vanilla. Drink now or age up to 10 years.

Sustainability Pillar: Installation and support for organic gardens in local schools in 50% of the communications Emiliana operates in (goal: 100%). Also has 91 organic vegetable gardens for is employees, with many participating in collective growing to provide healthy food for their families.

[PHOTO purchased: all rights reserved]

Viñedos Emiliana Coyam Wine

The Viñedos Emiliana Coyam is a red wine blend from Viñedos Emiliana Coyam, Chile 2018. Valley de Colchagua.

Blend:

• 42% Syrah
• 39% Carmenere
• 6% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 5% Garnacha
• 3% Malbec
• 3% Carignan
• 1% Tempranillo
• 1% Mourvèdre

The wine is rich and very dense, in a spectacular blend. The tannins are still very young, and this bottle will hold (in great storage) for at least 30 years. Flavors from the Syrah and pepper are evident in its subtle earthiness, yet the cherries and berries dominate in the other 58 percent of its flavors. To have a unique blending style, like this one IMHO, which creates some really exciting flavors, is a delicious joy found primarily on my (perhaps your) palate preferences.

It appears that these Colchagua Valley wineries follow the sciences along with their hearts, in creating these wines. Their blendings are marketing genius, because it leaves consumers lusting after their blended wine flavors, without having to pick from a sea of the same variety from the same region… like a Cab from Napa, for instance. While they’re truly delicious and most desired in the US, their subtle similarities are better defined by those trained in Master Somm classes, not the general public.

This is their own copy, because it couldn’t be more perfect:

“This emblematic wine faithfully represents Emiliana’s philosophy in which organic and biodynamic agriculture inspire our work and help us to attain the essence of our vineyards and the maximum expression of terroir.

“Coyam means oak forest to the Mapuches, the original inhabitants of central and southern Chile. And to honor the ancient oaks, we gave the name to this wine.”

What they’ve written is clear in the flavors of this wine. I tasted it, swirled, and thought – then blurted out, “This is r-e-a-l-l-y good!”

Another red blend, allowing for our imaginations to decide for ourselves the best way to enjoy the wines with food. I know many people who would love this with pork ribs in a sweet and sour, while having been raised humanely and sustainably… and I’m drooling, again.

[PHOTO purchased: all rights reserved]

About VIÑEDOS EMILIANA COYAM

A pioneer in Chile, Emiliana is one of the world’s largest producers of organic and biodynamic wines in the world. Coyam comes from a vineyard on granite-based soils in Colchaga’s coastal mountain range. All the fruit is own-rooted and is a massal (field) selection of different varieties, except for the Syrah, which is a specific clone. Eight different varieties blend seamlessly to offer on the palate cherry and strawberry, Mediterranean herbs, black pepper, and vanilla. Drink now or age up to 10 years.

Sustainability Pillar: Installation and support for organic gardens in local schools in 50 percent of the communications Emiliana operates in (goal by 100 percent). It also has 91 organic vegetable gardens for is employees, with many participating in collective growing to provide healthy food for their families. This photo below is what really caught my attention when Vinedo Intreactivo reviewing their Website. It’s interactive, while you can view all of the following, by clicking on the white dots.”

1. Biodynamic Calendar (upper fight)
2. Native Forest (upper right)
3. Wind Mill (Efficient Energy Use)
4. Roof dot (Cellars)
5. Beekeeping and Olive Trees left
6. Animal area (Biodiversity of flora and fauna)
7. Organic Garden
8. Workers
9. Vineyards
10. Biodynamic Preparations (building on the upper right)
11. Cover Crops 9Lower right vineyard

With each interaction, there is also a left-hand pup-up, taking it a step further, with text, explaining their philosophies. Native Forest, for instance… As we begin to lose them, we do reflect on how important they truly are: “Native Forest ~ The native flora is a fundamental principal within Emiliana’s philosophy. With our nurseries we look to enhance the development and cultivation of native plants, while preserving those that already exist.”

Welcome, especially if you’re also learning about Chilean wines. This story is composed from the following:

• Research on other sites and wine books
• My own 29 years of being in the wine business
  • 57 units in a wine-sales and marketing degree program
  • Traveling to international wine regions
• Viñedos Emiliana Coyam’s Website