VeraSolis, Cinsault Vera Valle del Itata 2020

VeraSolis is a collaboration between 2 young winemakers from the Itata Valley in Chile, Ronald Vera and Pablo Solis. Ronald is a third generation winemaker, having grown up working the vines with his father and grandfather. After his studies, he returned to help in the vineyards and was the first to bottle their wine in 2016. Pablo, since he was 5, has always worked with his father and the vines. Because of his hard work, he was given a vineyard to work on his own and eventually inherited more land from his grandmother.

The Cinsault, from Ronald, is from 90 year old vines on granitic soil.  The Cinsault endures a 48 day maceration and is aged in a combination of neutral American Oak and tank.

The Moscatel, from Pablo, is from 80 year old vines which thrive in a more clay based terroir. The Moscatel goes through fermentation in indigenous raulí barrels and then goes to tank to settle.

All farming practices are organic using horses in the vineyard and fertilizer made from manure and guano (from seagulls).  Both winemakers note that the most difficult challenge for their farming is the slopes of Guarilihue (their village) which holds them to 100 year old traditional farming practices.  Technology, therefore, can not be used in their vineyards and so all labor is done by hand and horse.

The Itata Valley benefits from 4 distinct seasons, which the winemakers give credit to for a sufficient water supply. The vines are dry farmed and mature to optimal ripeness with gradual temperature changes. VeraSolis wines are clean, bright expressions of Cool Climate Chilean Wine made in the tradition of the first winemakers in Southern Chile.