Miguel A. Torres, a "bedrock" of Chile's wine industry

Wine Enthusiast magazine annually acknowledges substantial accomplishments and prominent personages in wine, and this year’s Lifetime Achievement award is drawing the spotlight to Chile.

Miguel A. Torres of Bodegas Miguel Torres is a 2012 Wine Star Award Winner, recognized for being a “lifelong visionary who, early on, grasped the importance of exporting his family’s wines along with the ‘culture of wine,’” according to Wine Enthusiast.

The magazine focused on the theme of family traditions for the 2012 competition, tipping its hat to some of the world’s most fundamental and innovative wine families – the “bedrock that the wine industry rests on.”

The Torres family is one of the industry’s key “bedrock” families, having made wine in Europe for centuries before planting its first 100-hectare vineyard in Chile’s idyllic Curicó Valley in 1979.

Since that time, Miguel A. Torres has been an instrumental participant in the development and evolution of Chile as a major exporter and producer of fine wines – directly contributing to the country’s wildly expanding reputation and success.

Over three decades, Bodega Torres’ 100-hectare vineyard grew into a productive enterprise that now cultivates 445 hectares and performs as a leader in the export market, essentially acting as an ambassador for Chile and a messenger of the country’s terroir and budding potential.

Torres is also regarded as a pioneer of modernization in wine production, and his well-earned legacy thrives in Chile today through both traditional and revolutionary winemaking techniques, and products ranging from icon wines to organics.

“Miguel Torres has changed the world of wine by not only setting an example for the modernization of the Spanish wine industry, but on a global scale,” noted Wine Enthusiast publisher and editor Adam Straum.

The Wine Star Awards contest will be featured in Wine Enthusiast’s Best of the Year issue, which hits the stands and the web on December 13. Torres and other winners will also be honored at a special awards dinner in New York City on January 28.

“It is with great pride that we award this prestigious recognition to the leaders of an industry driving a great passion we all have—wine,” said Straum.

Congratulations Miguel A. Torres, a leader in Chilean wine!

A memorable experience for all

Gala del Vino 2012 inaugural ceremony

On the evening of Thursday, November 22, the Gala’s inaugural ceremony opened the festivities with a series of important declarations, followed by the presentation of three annual awards acknowledging superior achievements throughout various sectors of Chilean wine: Industry Person of the Year, Public Person of the Year and Winery of the Year.

A group of Chile’s top government officials initiated the ceremony by formalizing an important agreement with Wines of Chile, creating a new Skills Council in wine.

Minister of Agriculture Luis Mayol, Minister of Work Evelyn Matthei, Secretary of Education Harald Beyer, and Subsecretary of the Economy Tomás Flores signed the agreement along with Wines of Chile to establish the new Council, which will boost the industry’s collective skill set through enhanced employment and educational opportunities.

The primary goal of the accord is to support and nurture Chilean agriculture, one of the country’s key industries.

René Araneda, president of Vinos de Chile, explained to the Gala audience, “We know that the principal resource of Chile is copper, but we believe that our country has the conditions to be much more than a monoexporter of this product and the development of its agricultural export industry should be protected.”

Wines of Chile also recognized Chile’s only Master Sommelier Héctor Vergara as Industry Person of the Year, while Pablo Urria, chief of Direcon Latin America, was named Public Person of the Year for his efforts to discourage Brazil’s proposed safeguard against imported wine.

The highly-anticipated Winery of the Year award went to Viña Undurraga, The award was graciously and proudly accepted by Undurraga president Maricio Picciotto, along with Executive Vice President José Yuraszeck and General Manager Ernesto Müller.

“This achievement is due to our focus on making quality wines, our constant innovation and the important contribution we have made to the sparkling wine category,” Müller tells The Drinks Business. “The work we have put in over recent years has led to an exponential increase in the quality of our wines and in the international recognition they have received.”

In delivering this award, Wines of Chile commended Undurraga for “its labor in the development of viti-viniculture, its role in the market of sparkling wine in Chile and its achievements in rejuvenating the category through the ‘Sparkling People’ campaign.”

Chile’s government ministers and Araneda then officially kicked off the 20th annual Gala del Vino with a public toast to the applauding audience.

A grand toast to inaugurate the Gala

More than 50 vineyards and culinary representatives were present at the Gala, creating a delectable tasting experience for attendees throughout the 3-night event.

Check out these snapshots below (photos by Gretchen Stahlman):

Friendly service at every tasting table

Chile’s sparkling wines on display

A perfect opportunity to taste Chile’s diversity

Casas de Lo Matta - a beautiful venue and ambiance

Sideways author Rex Pickett was presented to the Gala audience

Chilean wine on stage

A lovely evening in Santiago for a 20th anniversary celebration

Creativity in each bottle

2011 was gold-medal year for Chile

2011 was a triumphant year for Chile, with Chilean wineries earning a record total of 206 gold medals in ten prominent wine competitions, according to Vitis Magazine.

Viñas Casa Silva and Casas del Bosque topped the list of medalists, accompanied by Sol del Chile.

Other leading vineyards mentioned by Vitis include Emiliana, Luis Felipe Edwards, Terranoble, Casas Patronales, Los Boldos, Carmen, and Viu Manent.

Compared to 2010’s gold medal awards, red wines – especially Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Carignan – gained popularity, receiving 86% of the prizes, compared to 75% the previous year.

“This phenomenon proves that styles have greatly diversified and that winemakers are increasingly focused on producing terroir wines, not only monovarietals,” writes Vitis author and editor Eduardo Brethauer R.

“In addition, non-traditional varieties like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot,
and Carignan made quite an entrance. Merlot and Chardonnay, two very strong players in the past, closed the year with a warning: they urgently need a fashion emergency intervention to help them find their identity once and for all.”

International wine competitions considered by Vitis in these statistics are Catad’or, Mondial de Bruxelles, Japan Wine Challenge, Chardonnay du Monde, Citadelles du Vin, Challenge International du Vin, Vinalies International, Vinitaly, International Wine & Spirit, and International Wine Challenge.

A significant improvement over 2010 was especially evident in Catad’or, where the number of medals rose to 116 from 58. In Mondial de Bruxelles, however, the number of gold medals fell to 45 from 76.

Overall, earning an unprecedented 206 medals represents great success and progress for Chile, showing that Chilean wine increasingly shines on the international stage.

“In 2010, we broke the psychological 200-medal barrier just as we were celebrating our 200 years of independence,” writes Brethauer. “This year we exceeded ourselves. Chilean wines are strengthening their presence at the most important international world competitions with proven variety and consistency.”

For a complete list of gold medals and statistics, visit Vitis.

Congratulations to all Chilean medalists!

With the help of 60 wine bloggers in United States and six wine bloggers in Chile, a virtual Blogger Tasting on Wednesday October 24 generated 853 Tweets through the designated #BlogChile hashtag, creating 5.5 million impressions on the Web, and reaching 400,000 followers!

Another high-tech and innovative Blogger Tasting took place on Thursday October 25 for Wines of Chile’s Asian audience.

“We believe this is going to keep going,” says Wines of Chile Managing Director Claudio Cilveti, referring to the power of social media in promoting Chilean wine to the world.

Through the United States event, Wines of Chile bridged the northern and southern hemispheres by inviting six bloggers to Chile to take part in the tasting, which was broadcast to the computers of 60 additional bloggers who participated virtually.

Guest bloggers and winemakers socializing at pre-tasting cocktail in Santiago, Chile (photo by Gretchen Stahlman)

The tastings were moderated by Master Sommelier and Wines of Chile Educator Fred Dexheimer, who also traveled to Chile for the event.

A similar Blogger Tasting was held in United States in April, but last week’s events marked the first time Dexheimer moderated the tasting in the same room as winemakers, creating lively interaction and face-to-face discussions about the wines.

“[The Blogger Tasting] was more fun, more natural, that we were all here together,” recalls Lori Tieszen, Director of Wines of Chile’s United States office.

While 60 bloggers in United States received a shipment of wine in the mail for Wednesday’s tasting, six lucky bloggers instead received a trip to Chile and the chance to attend in person.

In addition to discovering Chile’s wine country, cuisine and warm hospitality on their week-long venture, the guest bloggers also comprised a discussion panel in a seminar on “New media today and how wineries can benefit it,” held in Santiago on Friday October 26.

Meet the visiting bloggers

Jameson Fink

“I like to use food as a vehicle for talking about wine,” says Fink. “The food audience is thirsty for wine knowledge.”

Fink regularly pairs food and wine in writing on popular sites Foodista.com and JamesonFink.com, where he quenches his readership’s thirst for gastronomic insight.

A true foodie, Fink savored the experience of pairing Chilean Sauvignon Blancs with coastal seafood last week. And although this was not his first trip to Chile, he also savored the view of the Andes from the vineyards he visited in the company of the other guest bloggers.

Timothy O’Neal

As a contributor to Sommelier Journal and the Wine Director of Kansas City’s Avenues Bistro restaurant, Timothy O’Neal is realizing and writing about his passion for wine.

“You gotta have feeling,” he explains, regarding his motivation as a wine writer.

O’Neal’s feeling and personality are evident in his writing and in his vibrant career selecting and promoting wine for the food industry.

No stranger to amazing meals and amazing wines, O’Neal recalls eating lunch outside on a beautiful day at Viu Manent winery as one of the trip’s distinguishing moments.

“Sauvignon Blancs seem fresher when drinking outside,” he reminisces.

Abigail Purcell

Creating “click candy” is Abigail Purcell’s specialty.

As Social Media manager for Bottlenotes.com, Purcell is perfecting the art and skill of engaging the wine community through social media, inspiring online wine-lovers with dynamic Facebook and Twitter posts.

Active social media communities like Bottlenotes benefit the entire wine industry, Purcell advised seminar attendees.

“Even though we all want to be the best,” she said,” it’s really important to recognize that we all want to succeed.”

Gabe Sasso

The freelance wine writer for Bullz-Eye.com and GabesView.com, has an adventurous palate and a curious mind. “I like to get inside things,” he says, discussing his trip to Chile and his exploration of Chilean wines. “Lesser-known is more interesting to me.”

Traveling to Chile has provided Sasso and his companions with direct insight into Chile’s wines, winemakers and wine regions, an irreplaceable experience that they’ll share online.

“Blogs have a more personal touch than traditional media,” said Sasso in Friday’s New Media seminar, indicating that consumers are more likely to identify with wine blogs, where they can easily “find a voice that speaks to them.”

Dennis Sodomka

Co-founder of BottleReport.com and based out of Augusta, Georgia, Sodomka is a career journalist who primarily began writing about wine after retirement.

“We tell stories, and that’s what people remember,” he told the seminar audience. “Stories are more important than anything.”

According to Sodomka, wine-lovers “can build memories on [wine],” like the memories he’ll carry and the stories he’ll tell of his time here – a dusky, outdoor dinner at Casa Silva, riding horses through J. Bouchon, and the consistent kindness of Chile’s people.

Kori Voorhees

WinePeeps.com is a family collaboration, representing Kori Voorhees’ decade-long career in wine, which began as a hobby and later evolved into a successful blog and consultancy.

Voorhes’ blog “writes to the level of the consumer,” she says. As a result, WinePeeps is a convenient educational hub for anyone seeking clear and friendly information and resources for augmenting all levels of wine knowledge.

Experience the Wines of Chile

The following wines and wineries were represented in the Blogger Tastings; keep an eye out for blogger reviews appearing online!

• Viña Casablanca Casablanca Valley Nimbus Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012
• San Pedro Leyda Valley 1865 Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011
• Casa Silva Colchagua Valley Paredones Estate Cool Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2011
• Emiliana Casablanca Valley Novas Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2010
• Cono Sur Casablanca Valley 20 Barrels Pinot Noir 2009
• Morandé Casablanca Valley Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2009
• Concha y Toro Cachapoal Valley Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2010
• Carmen Colchagua Valley Alpata Vineyard Gran Reserva Carmenere 2010
• Koyle Royale Alto Colchagua Carmenere
• Viña Ventisquero Maipo Valley Grey Glacier Single Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Viña Maquis Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
• Viña Los Vascos Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Colchagua Valley Le Dix Cabernet Sauvignon

Seal of Sustainability

Sustainability is now a key topic of discussion throughout the wine community, and Chile is swiftly embracing the sustainable winemaking trend.

A new article in Tidings Magazine’s October 2012 issue examines this topic, concentrating on Chile’s progressive efforts to produce and export sustainable wines.

The article’s author, Merle Rosenstein, poses the question, “How do pest control programs, energy and fuel optimization, and canopy density relate to the twang that lingers luxuriously on your tongue after a pop of Pinot Noir?”

If the Pinot Noir is from Chile, the taste of socially responsible agriculture and wine production is even more likely to impart a tangible twang on the tongue.

This is primarily due to Wines of Chile’s successful Sustainability Code initiative, which is being managed and implemented by a special consortium known as The Technological Wine Consortium.

As reported by Wines of Chile in a previous news article, the Sustainability Code provides Chilean wineries with education and support, along with standards and benchmarks for sustainability. The program also facilitates full accreditation under established parameters, followed by permission to display the “Certified Sustainable Wine of Chile” seal on qualifying bottles.

Chilean agronomist Claudia Carbonell explains to Tidings that Chile’s sustainability code is unique for “its commitment to all three branches of sustainability, especially in terms of corporate social responsibility. Our code investigates business operations at all phases and in all locations of the company — vineyards, wineries, bottling plants and corporate offices.”

While the code does not prohibit use of chemistry in agriculture, Carbonell notes that wineries undergoing the certification process are urged to limit agrochemicals in favor of natural pest control methods, a provision that earns points towards certification.

Through the Sustainability Code, Chilean wineries and enologists are increasingly more educated, aware and motivated, striving to maintain the health of the Chile’s precious landscapes and resources, and ensuring the overall quality and appeal of the final product.

Three examples of sustainability in Chile

Rosenstein features three exemplary wineries as positive examples of sustainability in Chile, demonstrating the country’s significant progress in achieving its sustainability goals.

Errazuriz Winery’s vineyards in central Chile are 71% certified under the Sustainability Code. The winery uses environmentally-friendly sprays, plants cover crops to minimize soil erosion, and introduces certain helpful insects to control dangerous pests. As a result, Errazuriz’s produces higher-quality grapes while maintaining the integrity and natural lifecycle of the soil.

Santa Rita has been using sustainable practices for ten years. Sixty percent of its more than 7,000 acres are certified, and the winery credits good communication between its staff as the key to successful implementation of sustainable practices. By testing rootstock, Santa Rita is able to efficiently distribute water and maximize the natural growing cycles of its grapes.

All six of Miguel Torres’s vineyards are certified, and the winery is also certified in organics and fair trade. Executive president Miguel Torres Maczassek tells Tidings, “I believe that today it is not only important to produce quality wines, but also important to make clear how are we producing the wine. And on that side, the sustainable code is very helpful, because it provides information to the final consumer.”

Communicating sustainability

Wines of Chile is actively communicating its sustainable winemaking message and activities on a daily basis, hosting and promoting seminars and tasting events worldwide that focus on sustainability, and publishing a variety of media resources on the topic.

Rosenstein’s influential Tidings article is another beneficial communication tool, as the magazine purports to reach a tremendous audience of approximately 160,000 affluent wine- and food-aficionados in Canada. Such wide and targeted exposure further validates Chile’s reputation as a “natural choice” for receptive wine consumers.

Chilean old-vine Carignan seduces enologists

Old grape vines, like our elders, have collected many stories to tell over the long years and seasons. With an extensive and interesting history in Chile, Carignan is no exception.

The Carignan grape arrived to Chile after the massive earthquake of Chillán in 1939, when producers of País grapes were impacted by the disaster. Carignan vines were brought to Chile from Argentina, where the grape was previously acquired from France.

Upon arriving to Chile, Carignan vines were planted in the dry Maule Valley, and there they have grown exceptionally well. País vines are also very successful in Maule, and País has an important role in the story of Carignan in Chile.

Carignan only existed in the Maule Valley, and it went unnoticed for many years without significant attention from the wine community. In the last decade, however, Carignan recently has been seducing wine producers and enologists.

Carignan is unique because of its sole appellation in Chile – the dry interior of Maule. Also, this grape variety sprouts later in the season than other grapes – three years are necessary to produce fruit, and two additional years are needed to have finished wine. As the popular saying goes: “the older the vine, the better the wine.”

Vintners found that Carignan grafts well onto País vines, since País similarly thrives in dry conditions, and is also head-pruned and with an earthy flavor. Better still, a Carignan grape can fully share the depth of País roots, adopting the body of the old trunks, and delivering the perfect roundness that age confers. Some País grapevines in Chile are more than 300 years old!

Carignan so thoroughly blended with País in Maule vineyards over time that it was difficult to distinguish them until the grape’s recent resurrection.

Chilean winemakers have now formed a cooperative known as VIGNO (Vignadores de Carignane), to promote Chile’s quality Carignan wines. With more than 12 member wineries, wines included under the VIGNO label are required to be produced from old vines – more than 30 years old – and with at least 65% Carignan grapes. In addition, the wines must be aged for two years, and blends must be entirely made with old, dry-farmed vines.

“I delight in tasting wines made from gnarled old plants to which no one paid attention for years until someone realized they might make decent wine,” writes wine blogger Aldo Yarrow, of vinography.com.

Wines of Chile recently brought Yarrow to New York City to taste and explore Chile’s finest Carignans.

“Carignan, especially approaching 70 or 80 years of vine-age, has a wonderful character, generally good acidity, and a very pleasurable berry and black-cherry flavor profile with occasional hints of cola nut,” enthuses Yarrow.

The tasting, which took place in June at Puro Chile in New York City, presented a small group of journalists, sommeliers and wine professionals with 26 Chilean Carignans.

“These wines were all generally very good, with a number approaching excellent,” Yarrow writes. “In general I’d say there was a tendency towards slightly heavy oak usage (which could easily be avoided) heavy extract (which could certainly be adjusted) and slightly heavy ripeness (which may not be so easily avoided as the climate may simply drive towards higher octane wines). I’m happy to say that most wines are easy to recommend, especially as some are excellent bargains as well.”

Yarrow’s highest-rated Wines of Chile member Carignans, all from Maule Valley and with scores between 8.5 and 9, are summarized below; for a full list of tasted wines, visit www.vinography.com:

2008 De Martino “La Aguada Old Bush Vines” – 9/10
“…smells of tart black cherry and mulberry fruit with hints of green briary smells … a very nice balanced quality with earthy, tangy flavors of mulberry, cassis, and wet earth … Thick but supple tannins emerge as the wine finishes with green herbs and wet earth. Very pretty.”

2009 Santa Carolina “Dry Farming” – 8.5-9/10
“… smells of rich mulberry and cassis with hints of wood … a creamy, silky texture with a nice weight on the palate. Rich flavors of cola, black cherry and mulberry mix with an earthy, black tea note. Lightly tacky tannins hang at the edges of the mouth. Softer acidity.”

2009 Undurraga “T.H.” – 8.5-9/10
“… smells of cherry, cassis, and hints of cola … exceedingly smooth and balanced, with light, leathery tannins, and a core of black cherry and mulberry fruit. Nice tangy acidity combines with earthy and herbal undertones that linger in the finish. Very pretty wine.”

2009 Oveja Negra – 8.5-9/10
“… smells of cassis and mulberry … flavors of cola and mulberry mix with nice earthy undertones. Good acidity, and nice texture.”

2008 Valdivieso “Eclat” – 8.5-9/10
“… smells of softer aromas of black cherry and earth … has a nice texture and good balance with green herbal flavors mixed into dried cherry and mulberry flavors. The flavors here are somewhat subdued. Good acidity and tacky tannins. Very easy drinking.”

2010 Undurraga “VIGNO” – 8.5-9/10
“… smells of mulberry and black cherry fruit. Good acidity makes the fruit bright and juicy, with a sour cherry tanginess along with the core of mulberry and cassis. Faint tannins linger in the finish.”

Michael Cox, Wines of Chile European Director and Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners

Wines of Chile European Director Michael Cox comes from a long line of wine professionals. In 1810, his great-great-great grandfather founded a successful wine importing business called Matthew Clark & Sons.

Now 202 years later, Cox has been chosen to serve as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, just as the society prepares to celebrate its 650th anniversary in a ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, which will include the Queen of England as a guest.

“It is a great honor and privilege for me to become the Master of such an ancient British institution,” says Cox. “I have always been someone who respects tradition and history and the part that Livery companies such as The Worshipful Company of Vintners have played in the development of the sort of country England is today.”

“It makes me feel very proud,” he continues, “that I can help to maintain and develop those important traditions and customs that help to define Britain.”

The Worshipful Company of Vintners began in London in 1363 as a Livery Company, governing the city’s wine trade and performing political and religious functions within Middle Age European society. The Company’s power and influence waxed and waned over the years according to the ideals of kings, queens and later Parliament.

In modern times, however, the society still maintains many of its old traditions, including the famous Swan Upping ceremony (which has been canceled for 2012 due to flooding of the River Thames).

As the newest Master, Cox intends to dedicate his one-year term to preserving the group’s historical legacy, ensuring that the Worshipful Company of Vintners remains “the spiritual home of the international wine trade” through ongoing charitable activities and facilitating key relationships in the industry.

“Whilst it is true that these days much of the day to day functions of the Livery companies are ceremonial,” explains Cox, “the true aims are more to do with raising money for charity and developing fraternity and goodwill amongst members of the company.”

Wine education is another priority of the Company of Vintners, and the group was integral in founding the esteemed Institute of Masters of Wine (together with Cox’s grandfather Michael Gordon-Cox), and the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, which provides quality training for professionals in the wine and spirits business.

The Worshipful Company of Vintners’ activities have consistently upheld these core principles for more than half of a millennium.

Cox reflects, “When I think that in the famous history of the Vintners’ Company, a history that spans over six centuries, and during which there have been Civil Wars, The Great Fire of London, two World Wars, and the growth of the City of London as one of the world’s great financial centers, I am truly honored to be one of only just over 500 people who have been Master in 650 years.”

“I would like to thank my friends and colleagues in the Chilean wine trade,” he continues, “for their understanding of this opportunity that I have been given, and for allowing me to work part time for Wines of Chile for the year ahead so that I can fulfill my duties and responsibilities as Master.”

Cox’s nine-year directorship of Wines of Chile in Europe has complemented 40 years of experience in United Kingdom’s wine trade, and his prestigious position will certainly bring attention to Chile’s growing presence in the global industry.

“I am pleased that Chile, and its wines, are being given greater exposure and prominence and status as a result of my appointment,” says Cox, who promises to “try to get more Chilean wines into the cellars of the great Livery Halls in London.”

“I served two excellent Chilean wines at the special lunch at Vintners’ Hall that followed the Installation ceremony – Casa Marin Sauvignon Gris 2011 and Errazuriz The Blend 2007.”

And it sounds like he’s already off to a good start.

By 2020, the wine industry of Chile is hoping to position itself as a leader in sustainability, a key component of the Wines of Chile’s strategic plan. This responsible and progressive goal reflects Chilean winemakers’ commitment to caring for Chile’s precious ecosystem while continuing to produce impeccable wines from rich and healthy terroirs.

Educated consumers are increasingly showing their enthusiasm for products that can demonstrate some degree of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. This consumer trend towards supporting more responsible farming in both food and wine production has created a growing market for products produced in a sustainable manner. It presents a perfect opportunity for Chile, with its expansive vineyards and wise farmers, to stand out as a country that highly values its natural resources.

In working towards the 2020 goal, Wines of Chile has played a key role in helping Chile establish a National Sustainability Code through a consortium with local universities and wineries. The Vinnova and TecnoVid consortiums support scientific development in Chile’s wine industry, especially by developing innovative and environmentally-friendly production techniques.

According to the consortiums’ website, the Sustainability Code “will help strengthen and maintain the Chilean wine industry’s competitiveness over time, enhancing the industry’s image among national and international consumers alike.”

Furthermore, Wines of Chile has adopted the principles of the code in the development of an official accreditation system. With the first wineries officially certified in January 2012, Wines of Chile has now awarded a number of wineries with the seal of Certified Sustainable Wine of Chile.

This certification recognizes wineries that have successfully adopted sustainability practices. They must also pass a rigorous process of qualification based on criteria such as viticultural methods, winemaking techniques and environmental efficiency in both production and office management. Other key metrics are product distribution, ethical business practices, and improved worker conditions, both within and outside the wine community.

As further confirmation of Chilean wineries’ environmental stewardship and progressive wine production, Concha y Toro was recently invited to present its sustainability strategy at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held in Brazil this past June. As the only winery to participate in this critical event, Concha y Toro’s efforts and representation have helped put the international limelight on Chile with regard to sustainability.

Concha y Toro sustainable development manager Cristobal Goycoolea explains, “We are convinced as a company that it is possible to produce high-quality in harmony and balance with man and nature. The winery therefore understands sustainability as a value within the company. This has enabled us to work with respect for the environment, and with an attitude of proximity with our personnel, consumers and stakeholders,”

Chilean vineyards have set a priority on sustainability, and they seek to demonstrate to both consumers and to the industry at large that great wine can be produced in harmony with the land.

The Guild of Sommeliers is an education and networking community for wine professionals throughout the industry. The Guild is a non-profit organization, established and managed by members, with membership open to any wine professional or aficionado.

The United States chapter of the organization was founded in 2003, but its parent organization, the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers, originated in United Kingdom in 1977 as a society for Master Sommeliers. The Court of Master Sommeliers presides over the Guild and the wine community as a collection of the world’s elite Master Sommeliers, and anyone who begins the introductory Master Sommelier course is automatically granted membership into the Guild of Sommeliers.

According to Master Sommelier and Wines of Chile Educator Fred Dexheimer, the objective of the partnership between Wines of Chile and the Guild of Sommeliers is to implement “creative ways to get [Chilean] wines into the glasses of sommeliers.”

Since its inception, Wines of Chile’s collaboration with the Guild has resulted in numerous intriguing wines experiences for sommeliers through cleverly-presented classes and tastings.

Last year, Wines of Chile and the Guild began a series of Terroir Master Classes in cities around the world, presenting four different grapes from distinct Chilean terroirs. Tasting topics also debuted last year include “Undiscovered Gems of Chile” displaying six unique Chilean wines, and another tasting of young and older-vintage “Icon wines” showing that Chilean wines age well.

Late-night tastings are planned for sommeliers after work, with a fun “Burgers and Blends” theme, showcasing interesting Chilean blends and providing a venue for sommelier networking.

Wines of Chile also plans to offer a scholarship to Guild members, providing an opportunity for four high-scoring sommeliers to visit and study Chile’s vineyards for one week.

“The Guild does very well with trips and scholarships,” Dexheimer notes. “It gives a lot of scholarships for different organizations.”

This is ideal, since the primary objective of Wines of Chile’s relationship with the Guild is education and promotion of Chilean wines to sommeliers, in order to better familiarize them with Chile.

Describes Dexheimer, “It is a great platform to reach aspiring sommeliers, sommeliers, and people in the trade. With Chile, we’re looking at new ways to get wines out there, and with the Guild we have a great platform, open to creative ideas, and we can have conversations back and forth about what to do different and fun – how to make both organizations look professional, different, and do something beyond the typical scope of a regular wine event.”

The Guild of Sommeliers has “the top education website in the world” for sommeliers, continues Dexheimer. “For us to be with them as a partnership is amazing.”

Intended to boost Brazil’s wine industry, the safeguard would limit wine imports to Brazil from any country (with the exception of Israel) that is not a member of the Mercosur trade consortium. Mercosur represents an agreement between Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay facilitating trade between member countries.

In the 4 months since the safeguard was proposed by Brazil’s government, Wines of Chile has been implementing media campaigns and lobbying relevant political and industry officials in opposition of this measure, which – if successful – would be detrimental to Chilean wineries and would deprive Brazilian consumers of Chile’s amazing terroirs.

During a hearing held several weeks ago at Chile’s Department of Trade (Decom), Wines of Chile presented a strong argument against the safeguard, for consideration by the Brazilian ambassador and other international trade officials and politicians.

Wines of Chile urged Brazil to abandon the safeguard, arguing that it is supported by a small portion – only 5% – of Brazil’s wine industry. Furthermore, the precise nature and viticultural implications of the safeguard are still unclear.

Said Wines of Chile legal representative Federico Mekis, “Failing to define this fairly can produce a result that looks biased, and we would continue to discuss it until the World Trade Organization is receptive to us.”

Responding to Brazil’s allegation that the safeguard is necessary because of a sudden, unforeseen growth in Chile’s Brazilian market, Director General of International Economic Relations Álvaro Jana noted that this new opposition to the gradual increase in Chilean wine imports is not logical, since the particular commercial circumstances being targeted were previously accepted and facilitated by Brazil, indicating that the situation was not unexpected.

Brazil is Chile’s fourth largest wine market, having received 5.5% of Chilean wine exports last year, with a total profit of USD $4.481 million. Considering this potential economic impact, Chilean wineries eagerly anticipate a final verdict on the safeguard, which is expected to be delivered in September.