Vegan Wines for Veganuary
2019 South American Biodynamic Wine Harvest
Our winery partners in Chile and Argentina report a fantastic 2019 South American Biodynamic wine harvest. While the growing season for our winery partners in Europe is in full swing, our two partners in the Southern Hemisphere have recently harvested their grapes and are now in production. Both Proviva and Vina Koyle report their excitement for the 2019 vintage.
Proviva Winery
Inkarri Biodynamic wines by Proviva, Lujon de Cuyo, Argentina
A report from Facundo Bonamaizon, vineyard manager for Proviva. For white varieties, both at Finca Los Cedros and Ayni (Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley), and at Nuna (Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo), the harvest was approximately 15 days later than normal this year. In the case of the reds, the behavior was different. In Agrelo the harvest date was close to the average and in Altamira, it was later and more extended in time. In general, it was a year cooler than the vintage 2018 and 2017, with maximum temperatures also lower than 2018. Regarding rainfall, we had slightly more than the year 2018 (and similar to 2017). But within the average for Mendoza, therefore without any problems for any of the varieties.
Proviva Winery
The unique characteristics of the 2019 harvest included the cooler temperatures which conditioned the maturity rhythm, making it softer and slower. The combination of this and the search for more balanced wines in freshness, alcohol and structure led in general to keep the harvest date in red. We can expect wines with a little less concentration than the 2018 vintage, and with more freshness, and overall better balance.
Facundo Bonamaizon says, “The integrity of the grapes and the new practices and knowledge applied in the winery in 2019 allowed us to continue decreasing the amount of sulfites added. The resulting wines will have more expression of place, greater overall balance with higher quality and longevity.”
Proviva is based in the heart of Mendoza, Argentina. Proviva embodies the quest for a wine identity that is both original and authentic. Their estate-grown wines are produced exclusively from organic and Biodynamic vineyards located in the best terroirs of Mendoza. The resulting Inkarri varietal wines are the purest expression of the region’s outstanding calcareous soils. Organic and Biodynamic agriculture guarantee a viticulture with no inputs, where vines authentically express the character of place. Proviva is Fair for Life Certified, a socially responsible producer, promoting local development, preventing informal and child labor practices and ensuring equal opportunities to all its employees.
Viña Koyle Biodynamic Wine, Los Lingues, Alto Colchagua, Chile
Viña Koyle
As of June, our cellar is already full of wines in barrels, foudres and concrete eggs. The malolactic fermentation is finished in 50% of the wines, and some samples indicate that the wines of this 2019 vintage will reflect a warm year, with outstanding results in the Cabernet Sauvignon of the F4 blocks and Carmenère from “Cuartel G2.”
The 2019 vintage at our Los Lingues vineyard, Colchagua Andes, began in February 26 with Tempranillo, and ended in April 15 with Mourvèdre.
For our viticulturist and enologist Cristóbal Undurraga, “this harvest was marked by a dry winter during 2018, followed by a short warm spring, which advanced the flowering and fruit set process, which gave way to a warm summer, without rain, which allowed a good concentration of grapes from veraison to harvest marked by its intensity of flavors and good phenolic maturity”.
Viña Koyle
Some sublime samples of wines that reflect this vintage are the Cabernet Sauvignon from the block F4 harvested on March 5th and the Carmenère from the block G2 harvested on March 11th. Both show a very special balance, with average alcohols of 13.5º and a remarkable acidity that will give them long life.
Koyle’s vineyards are planted on rock slopes in Los Lingues, Alto Colchagua, at the foot of the Andes Mountain range. Koyle places their greatest effort on the expression and understanding of the vineyard. It is based on 3 pillars: man, place and environment. It is through a Biodynamic approach that they have found the best way to get intimately close to the expression of nature. Through achieving balance, unique wines are obtained that express the harmony found in unifying the cosmic and terrestrial world. The deep respect of the ecosystem, natural cycles and the dedication of human work are used to achieve these wines of excellence.
The Biodynamic wines from both wineries are Demeter certified Biodynamic, and certified Vegan, as well as Non-GMO Project Verified. Available at fine retailers and restaurants nationwide.
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