As the team at Wijn van de maand, we are always on the hunt for unique wines that not only tantalize our taste buds but also have a story to tell. And sometimes, just sometimes, we find a wine that changes everything. This time, it was Viña Tarapacá from Chile, a wine that enchanted us from the very first sip.
We appreciate the wine not only for its taste but also for the story behind each bottle. Every wine represents a piece of the earth it comes from and the philosophy of those who make it. This storytelling aspect is crucial because it connects us on a deeper level with every sip we take. And Viña Tarapacá? Their story is a captivating blend of tradition, innovation, and a profound respect for nature.
- A Chance Encounter with Martijn
- Chile, a Natural Stronghold for Viticulture
- The Magic of Viña Tarapacá
- Tarapacá Cabernet Sauvignon
- Tarapacá Gran Reserva Etiqueta Azul Red Blend
- Sustainability at the Core
- An Invitation to All Wine Lovers
- An Impression of Our Visit to the Wine Tasting at Wijnhandel van Ouwerkerk
A Chance Encounter with Martijn
The real adventure began at a wine tasting organized by Wijnhandel van Ouwerkerk, Neerlands Wijnhuis, and Bresser & Timmer, where we met Martijn Verhees, a wine expert working at Viña Tarapacá (part of VSPT Wine Group). His passion and knowledge about wine were infectious, and within minutes, he captivated us with his stories about the Chilean vineyards.
The wines of Viña Tarapacá reflect not only the climate and soil of their Chilean vineyards but also the passion and craftsmanship of their makers. Martijn, with his years of experience and deep knowledge of both local traditions and the latest technologies in sustainable viticulture, was the perfect guide to unveil these subtleties. His enthusiasm was contagious, and with each wine he presented, we opened a new chapter of the Tarapacá story.
Chile, a Natural Stronghold for Viticulture
Chile’s unique geographical location offers more than just protection against natural pests. It contributes to a diversity of microclimates, allowing winemakers to experiment with different grape varieties and cultivation techniques. This natural variety is a blessing for winemakers who strive for complexity and distinctiveness in their wines. Thus, each wine from Viña Tarapacá becomes not only a product of nature but also a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability.
Martijn further explained to us why Chile is such a perfect landscape for viticulture. Surrounded by the ocean and the Andes, the country benefits from natural barriers that protect the vineyards from pests, minimizing the need for pesticides. This creates ideal conditions for the growth of impeccable grapes.
The Magic of Viña Tarapacá
During the tasting, Martijn introduced us to various wines from the estate, which is strategically located between the coolness of the Pacific Ocean and the warmth of the Andes. Each glass was an exploration of unique flavors, from the robust Cabernet Sauvignon to the refined Carménère. These wines are not only the product of a rich terroir but also of innovative and sustainable wine management.
Each type of wine that Viña Tarapacá produces tells its own story. These wines are expressions not only of the land but also of the seasons and the hands that craft them. During the tasting, we could discern the subtle differences between the wines, gaining a deeper understanding of the history and future of Chilean wine.
Tarapacá Cabernet Sauvignon
We were particularly excited about the Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine would pair perfectly with a delicious piece of cheese or a flavorful risotto. It is remarkably fruity with complex aromas of plums, blackberries, and cassis. The wine has aged for 10 months in French and American oak barrels, enriching it with notes of clove, black pepper, and vanilla. A beautifully balanced wine.
Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
This delightful Cabernet Sauvignon enchants with its rich fruitiness, subtle spiciness, and harmonious oak influences, resulting in a perfectly balanced wine.
Tarapacá Gran Reserva Etiqueta Azul Red Blend
Next, Martijn treated us to the highlight of the day: the Etiqueta Azul Red Blend. What an incredibly beautiful, rich wine. Martijn told us that it is a true award-winner. The wine boasts firm tannins, which call for a hearty meal to complement it. Dishes like lamb, pork chops, or even a heavily spiced tuna would pair well with it. The wine stands out for its fruity character with an emphasis on berries.
Tarapaca Gran Reserva Etiqueta Azul Red Blend
A beautiful, award-winning wine with firm tannins, ideal to pair with dishes such as lamb or pork chops.
Sustainability at the Core
What impressed us was how Martijn spoke about the sustainable approach of the vineyard. With solar panels meeting their entire energy needs, Viña Tarapacá is making significant strides toward a greener future. Their commitment to biodiversity, using natural predators like foxes to maintain ecological balance, illustrates their respect for the environment.
Viña Tarapacá represents a heritage of 150 years and serves as an icon of Chilean viticulture. It offers a portfolio of widely recognized wines with numerous national and international awards, affirming their consistency and oenological quality. Their viticulture philosophy starts in the vineyards, where agricultural management is crucial in determining the quality of the wine. Viña Tarapacá is thus an authentic representation of the Maipo Valley, fully embodying the typicity of varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère.
Viña Tarapacá strives for sustainability by utilizing 100% renewable electricity and 100% composting of organic waste. They recycle 99% of their waste and have air-powered distribution systems to reduce water usage. With 95% technified irrigation and 25 hectares of biodiversity corridors, they protect both the soil and biodiversity.
The mountain ranges around the Tarapacá estate are located in one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots, areas with a significant concentration of endemic species often threatened by human activities. In light of this discovery, Viña Tarapacá decided to further build and protect its cultural heritage through a Biodiversity Master Plan.
Viña Tarapacá is making significant strides towards sustainability with the goal of becoming completely climate-neutral by 2050. So far, they have already reduced their carbon emissions by 11%.
Viña Tarapacá’s commitment to sustainability is not just a business strategy, but an integral part of their identity as winemakers. They use advanced technologies and traditional methods in harmony to protect the environment while producing top-quality wines. Their dedication to a greener future is evident in every decision, from the vineyard to the bottle, inspiring a new generation of consumers who value ecological and social responsibility.
An Invitation to All Wine Lovers
This experience with Martijn and the wines of Viña Tarapacá was more than just a tasting; it was an eye-opener. We warmly invite you to join us in discovering these exquisite wines. Follow us for more adventures and be surprised by the stories that each bottle of Tarapacá has to tell.
Website: https://tarapaca.cl
Website: https://vsptwinegroup.com
An Impression of Our Visit to the Wine Tasting at Wijnhandel van Ouwerkerk
