Chile — wine

Itata Valley DO

Chile's most exciting emerging wine region south of the Bío Bío River, where pre-phylloxera Pais and Cinsault vines planted 400 years ago by Spanish missionaries survive on ancient granite soils. The cool, wet climate — influenced by Pacific winds and the Andes — produces wines of remarkable freshness, low alcohol, and natural character that contrast sharply with Chile's mainstream commercial style. Itata is Chile's answer to Beaujolais and Burgundy simultaneously.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Good Itata vintage; Pais and Cinsault expressed with vivid freshness
2022 Outstanding year; De Martino tinajas wines achieved new complexity
2021 Cool, wet season ideal for Itata's style — bright, natural wines
2020 Good conditions; concentrated old-vine character with mineral freshness
2019 Benchmark Itata vintage; international recognition for Pais and Cinsault
2018 Warmer than usual; naturally richer style from ancient vines
2017 Variable year; natural winemakers adapted with reduced intervention