2020 Pedro Parra ‘Soulpit’ Pais, Itata Valley – buy online

WHO?

Pedro Parra is a renowned expert in soil and vineyard mapping, holding a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in precision agriculture and terroir from the Institut Agronomique National in Paris. In 2013, with the help of consulting enologist and longtime friend and business partner Alberto Antonini, Pedro introduced Chilean wines under his own eponymous label. His vision is simple: to create pure wines from old vines in the Itata region, grown on granite soils, and to support local “brave viticulturists” who have been protecting the land and vines for centuries.

WHERE?

The historic Chilean wine region of Itata, where vines were planted nearly 500 years ago by Spanish missionaries, is located 500 kilometers south of Santiago. It is characterized by refreshing Pacific Ocean breezes, moderate temperatures, and cloudy summers, which allow for the gradual ripening of grapes. In recent years, the region has experienced a renaissance, with a new generation of winemakers like Pedro championing old vines and celebrating the region’s viticultural traditions.

WHY?

Soulpit is a new wine from Pedro Parra’s rapidly growing operation, made from old País vines from Ñipas near the winery. The 2020 País Soulpit was fermented and aged in concrete. Cherry red in the glass, it presents a rather ripe and bold nose with notes of sour cherry jam, hints of earth, and refined fruit flavors. On the palate, it is compact with fine, active tannins, hints of ash, a bit of chalk, and precise freshness leading to a fruity finish.