Moscatel

Moscatel has been growing in Itata since the 16th century, when the Spanish conquistadores arrived in Chile. Since then, this grape variety has continued to evolve and thrive in the cool Mediterranean climate of Itata. In the valley, it can get very hot in summers, but the cooling breeze coming from the Pacific, combined with generous rainfall in the winters, mean that the old bush vines with their deep roots thrive without irrigation.

Moscatel is sometimes considered an inferior grape, but not so the Moscatel grown in Itata. Because the grapes grow on very old vines, the bunches are generally small, and the grapes give deep and soulful aromas of nectar, peach, black tea, bergamot, and yuzu.  

País

Like Moscatel, País too arrived with the Spaniards. It found a home in Itata, where the variety known in Spain as Listan Prieto, developed a distinct soul. Its large but loose bunches balance red and black fruit aromas, with a fresh herbal note, reminiscent of mint or eucalyptus. Its tannins are generally on the lighter side, but depending on the soils it is planted on, can range from silky smooth to deliciously textured. 

País vines have traditionally been grown by small growers, who either make their own house wine (known as pipeño), or sell the grapes to earn a little extra. That means that most vineyards are worked by hand, with very little intervention - perfect to bring out the unique terroir of Itata.

It is in this tradition that Leo & Zjos make their wines: their winemaking philosophy is "pre-industrial", as Leo would say half-jokingly.

When the juice does not get moved aggressively in the winery, when nothing is added or removed, and when the energy of a whole harvest team literally goes into everything from destemming, to crushing, to pressing, you can be sure you taste nothing but history in your glass.