VINTUS Live virtually traveled to the vineyards of Chile to speak with Viña Errázuriz Head Winemaker Francisco Baettig. As part of the candid discussion, we learned about the 2020 harvest among and discussed some of the grape varieties that Francisco enjoys working with the most! The conversation also touched on the ageability of the icon wines in the portfolio, and how they remain committed to setting quality standards that push Chilean wines to even greater heights. Enjoy the 15 minute candid interview at the link above.

Decanter columnist and MW Peter Richards featured Errazuriz in his latest feature on top quality and value Chardonnays from South America. Richards references that the overall standard of Chilean Chardonnay has “improved markedly of late as producers promote freshness, typicality and, at the very top end, terroir. Quality hotspots include Limarí, Aconcagua Costa, Casablanca, San Antonio and Malleco. The deep south looks to hold good potential for the future, and there are promising things emerging from cooler Andean altitudes in the east.” Richards gives high praise to the 2018 Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Chardonnay, giving it 93 points and describing it as ” a beautifully poised expression of Chardonnay’s apple freshness with creamy texture…”

To learn more about Errazuriz, read the full article HERE.

In Decanter’s recent publication, Chris Mercer writes of Bordeaux red blends around the world. Traditionally a Bordeaux red blend combines two or more of the classic Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, and Malbec. While the existence of Bordeaux blends, even as a term in itself, underlines the maritime French region’s enduring position as a benchmark for fine wines, it also says something about the versatility of the grapes themselves. In highlighting some of the finest Bordeaux red blends from around the world, Decanter includes Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany 2015, Erràzuriz Viñedo Chadwick, Puento Alto 2015, and Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso, Bolgheri Superiore 2001.

To learn more about Bordeaux blends around the word and these wines, read the full article HERE.

Worlds collide as music legend David Howell Evans, “The Edge” of U2, and president of Errázuriz Eduardo Chadwick pose for a photo during a recent visit to the winery. If you’re not as lucky as The Edge to have the experience to visit Errázuriz in person, fear not as James Suckling’s the Great Wines of the Andres tasting events (September 29th through October 4th) will feature Errázuriz. For tickets and information visit HERE. 

Shanken News Daily writer David Fleming reports on Viña Errazuriz, one of Chile’s oldest and most storied wine names, following a meeting with Winemaker Francisco Baettig this spring. The brand story provides insight on the winery’s efforts to gain more visibility in the U.S. market and also to reduce overall volume of around 1.25 million cases annually to about 700,000 cases by focusing on its higher end wines. As it relates to improving visibility, Fleming explains that the winery had a somewhat difficult history in the U.S. but that positive changes are afloat. So much so that Errázuriz brand’s U.S. depletions in 2019 represent a 70% growth rate compared to last year. “Errázuriz never really took off in the U.S. in previous years, but now Vintus is doing the hard work,” adds Baettig, “Little by little, we’re becoming a lot stronger.” This story is worth the full read HERE

Market Watch has published an indepth look at the Chilean wine market and increasing demand for quality wines from the region. Writer David Fleming interviewed Errazuriz Winemaker Francisco Baettig this spring to discuss the winery’s growth and innovative winemaking practices. In fact, he notes that “Perhaps no Chilean winemaker embodies Chile’s transformative efforts as much as Vina Errazuriz, one of the world’s oldest wineries, founded in 1870.” He adds as a way to add context to the focus on quality, “As recently as three years ago, the total Errazuriz group was producing around 1.25 million cases of wine annually. Today, the company is close to achieving its goal of cutting total production for Errazuriz to around 450,000 cases, largely by eliminating the lower end of the portfolio.” The article speaks about several producers, major improvements in the region and marketshare data.

Market Watch PDF

Wine writer Wanda Mann had the pleasure of meeting Errázuriz winemaker Francisco Baettig this past spring when he visited New York. She has shared her tasting experience on The Black Dress Traveler, highlighting three of the winery’s signature wines: MAX Chardonnay Reserva, Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir and Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve. Wanda outlines some of Francisco’s accomplishments at Errázuriz, including Chile 2018 Special Report Winemaker of the Year and a 100-Point score from James Suckling for the Viñedo Chadwick 2014. She adds, “Francisco has certainly earned the right to be a bit boastful but he’s endearingly humble and would rather discuss the finer points of vineyard management, soil types, and barrels. Francisco’s laser-sharp focus on making high quality wine can be tasted in the bottle.” Read the full story  HERE and her additional wine notes below:

Wanda Mann’s Tasting Notes:

Errazuriz Max Chardonnay Reserva 2017 ($20) is all about freshness and crisp fruit. 100% Chardonnay, juicy fruit is accented by hints of spice – the result of 10 months of barrel aging in French oak. Charming and a bit creamy with flavors of crisp golden apple and a tangy tinge of lemon custard.

Simplicity is the beauty of Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir 2017 ($20). Fresh cherry and strawberry flavors really shine in this juicy red. Hints of earth and tea leaves add depth and dimension. A real charmer! (I tasted the 2017 but the 2018 vintage is now available.)

Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve 2016 ($115) isn’t just a fine Chilean wine, it’s an impressive wine, period. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec, and Petit Verdot; the first vintage of Don Maximiano was introduced with the 1983 vintage and was one of the first “Super-Chileans.” The estate’s flagship wine, the 2016 vintage of Don Maximiano was aged 22 months in French oak. Francisco said, “the style of the house is not too much oak” and it’s true — the use of oak is very judicious and doesn’t overwhelm the wine. This elegant red is fresh and vibrant with impeccable structure and intense flavors of red cherry, pomegranate, violet, blackberry, and blueberry. Delicious now, this wine has what it takes to age beautifully.