Itata Valley: the rebirth of Chile’s oldest vineyard

There are wine regions that build their reputation in a few decades. And then there's Itata.

Here, the first vines were planted almost five centuries ago. Long overshadowed by the great Chilean valleys, this region is now experiencing a spectacular revival thanks to its old vines, historic grape varieties, and a new generation of winemakers who prefer to reveal the terroir rather than seek power.

At Vinodelice, we have chosen two cuvées that perfectly tell the story of this rebirth: a País and a Sémillon, two historic grape varieties that are now regaining their full nobility.

Where is Itata located?

The Itata Valley is located in southern Chile, between the Pacific Ocean and the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Crossed by the Itata River, from which it takes its name, it benefits from a cooler climate than the major wine valleys in the center of the country.

Oceanic influences temper the summer heat, while granite soils, often mixed with quartz and sand, naturally promote moderate yields and a beautiful mineral expression.

This combination gives rise to fresh, elegant, and particularly digestible wines.

The oldest vineyard in Chile

Itata's history began in the 16th century, when the first Spanish settlers introduced vines to this part of Chile.

For several centuries, the region supplied a large part of the national production. Then, gradually, attention shifted to more modern valleys such as Maipo, Colchagua, or Casablanca. Itata then fell into relative oblivion. But the old vines remained.

Today, this exceptional heritage attracts a new generation of winemakers who see an incomparable richness in these century-old plots. Far from seeking standardized wines, they instead seek to reveal the full personality of the terroir.

It is this philosophy that today makes Itata one of the most exciting regions in Chile.

Why are enthusiasts so interested in Itata?

Because Itata offers a different idea of Chilean wine. Here, power often gives way to finesse. Winemaking seeks more to accompany the wine than to mark it, while historic grape varieties regain a place they had gradually lost.

This approach appeals to many enthusiasts looking for wines that are more digestible, more precise, and more faithful to their origin. In Itata, the terroir takes center stage again.

Itata's emblematic grape varieties

País: the first grape variety of Chile

Introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century, País is at the origin of all Chilean viticultural history.

Long considered a high-yielding grape variety, it is now experiencing a true renaissance. From old vines, often ungrafted, it produces supple, fresh, and very expressive wines, dominated by red fruits, sweet spices, and a beautiful liveliness. It alone symbolizes the revival of Itata.

Cinsault: rediscovered elegance

Another historic grape variety of the region, Cinsault here produces delicate, floral, and particularly delicious wines. Its natural freshness and low extraction are increasingly appealing to lovers of digestible wines.

Muscat d'Alexandrie: the perfume of the ancient vineyard

Present for several generations, Muscat d'Alexandrie also contributes to the region's revival. It is used to produce both still wines and more original cuvées, always marked by a beautiful aromatic intensity.

Sémillon: a great white rediscovered

Sémillon is often associated with Bordeaux. However, Itata still has very old plots that produce whites of astonishing freshness.

Cultivated on granite soils and harvested relatively early, these old vines produce taut, saline wines particularly suited to gastronomy.

A new generation of winemakers

The revival of Itata is not based on a single property, but on a true collective dynamic.

Many estates have chosen to preserve old vines rather than replace them, to work with indigenous yeasts, to limit cellar interventions, and to highlight the identity of each plot. Their goal is not to produce demonstrative wines, but bottles capable of telling their origin.

It is precisely this vision that moves us at Vinodelice. It makes Itata one of the most authentic and endearing regions in Chile.

The terroirs of Itata: Coelemu, Ránquil, and others

While Itata is often referred to as a single wine region, the reality is much more nuanced. The valley brings together several municipalities with very distinct identities, where climate, soils, and history shape wines with sometimes very different profiles.

Coelemu: the historical heart of Itata

If only one name were to be remembered, it would probably be Coelemu.

This village is considered one of the cradles of Itata's revival. Here you can find many old vines of País, Cinsault, and Sémillon, sometimes over a hundred years old, often ungrafted and cultivated on poor granite soils.

Thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the wines retain a beautiful natural freshness while expressing great finesse. It is here that many winemakers have chosen to bring back to light the historic grape varieties of the region.

Ránquil: the influence of the ocean

Further west, Ránquil benefits from an even more pronounced maritime influence.

Breezes from the Pacific slow down the ripening of the grapes and allow for the production of particularly elegant wines. The whites often develop a beautiful tension and a fine salinity, while the reds favor fruit freshness over power.

A valley with multiple faces

Around Coelemu and Ránquil, other municipalities such as Portezuelo, Trehuaco, or Quillón also contribute to the richness of the vineyard.

This diversity of terroirs explains why Itata has become one of the most exciting regions in Chile. From one village to another, the same grape variety can express a very different personality.

Two bottles to discover Itata

We have selected two cuvées that perfectly illustrate this new generation of Chilean wines: wines that seek less to impress than to tell their origin.

One restores the prestige of País, the first grape variety of Chile. The other reveals the full potential of a Sémillon from very old vines.

Co-Pa País 2019

Only a few years ago, few enthusiasts would have imagined that a País could be among the most exciting wines of Chile. And yet.

With Co-Pa 2019, the estate demonstrates the full potential of this historic grape variety when it comes from old vines and is worked with precision.

The wine immediately seduces with its energy. Aromas of cherry, fresh raspberry, and wild berries are accompanied by delicate notes of dried herbs and spices. The palate is supple, airy, almost delicate, with a freshness that makes you want to pour another glass.

A red of great finesse, a world away from demonstrative wines. It is precisely this drinkability that makes País so successful with enthusiasts today.

With which dishes?

Artisanal charcuterie, roasted chicken, Mediterranean cuisine, grilled vegetables, seared tuna or even Neapolitan pizza: its fresh and gourmet profile makes it a formidable table wine.

Arcana Sémillon 2021

From very old Sémillon vines planted on granite soils rich in quartz, Arcana Sémillon 2021 reveals an unknown facet of this great white grape variety.

The nose opens with notes of lemon, apple, white flowers, and white-fleshed fruits. The palate is taut, precise, and carried by a superb minerality that recalls the influence of the soils and the proximity of the ocean.

A wine that favors purity over opulence, and which demonstrates that Chile can produce very great terroir whites.

With which dishes?

Oysters, scallops, grilled fish, ceviches, Japanese cuisine, creamed poultry, or goat cheeses: its freshness and tension make it an ideal partner for many tables.

Why discover Itata today?

For a long time, Itata remained in the shadow of the great Chilean valleys.

Today, it has become one of the favorite playgrounds for lovers of terroir wines.

Its old vines, its historic grape varieties, and the freedom with which its winemakers interpret each plot give rise to profoundly singular wines. Wines that do not seek to resemble others, but to express their origin with sincerity.

At Vinodelice, it is precisely this authenticity that touches us. Through Co-Pa País and Arcana Sémillon, we invite you to discover a more confidential, more subtle Chile... and undoubtedly more exciting than ever.

Continue your journey in Chile

After Itata, discover the other great Chilean terroirs.

Explore Colchagua, famous for its great Carménères, or Maule, where old Carignan and Sémillon vines are experiencing a true renaissance. You can also find our entire selection of Chilean wines to continue your journey through one of the most exciting vineyards in the New World.