Rogue Vine, Grand Itata Tinto, Chile 2021

Leo Erazo and Justin Decker started Rogue Vine in 2011 in a one-car garage in Concepcion, Chile.  This duo met while teaching at the University of Concepcion.  At Rogue Vine, they make wines from the Nipas and Guarilihue subregions of the Itata Valley.  All the vineyards are composed of hillside, dry-farmed bush-vines that are a minimum of 60 years old, with some over 100 years old.  The soils are primarily comprised of decomposed granite with a mix of clay and quartz.  The winemaking is simple and employs native yeast, concrete globes, old barrels, no corrections, with minimal or no sulfur prior to bottling.  Itata Valley’s viticulture is primarily practiced through horse plowing and hand farming.  Part of Rogue Vine’s focus is to promote the rich culture and history of this long neglected and rural farming community.  Leo is also the winemaker for Altos Las Hormigas in Mendoza, Argentina and Justin is an expat from Indiana who got bit by the wine bug and started a family in Chile.

Rogue Vine Grand Itata Tinto is a field blend of old vine, hand harvested grapes consisting of 95 % Cinsault and 5% Pais. The nose is lifted and shows bright red fruits of raspberry and strawberry with rose petals and hints of fresh forest floor. The palate is defined by its light tannin and acid structure that keeps the wine light, accentuating the fruit and leading to a soft finish.