The winemaker will be presenting all of its Bordeaux and Chilean collections at Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris and invites visitors to come taste for themselves

Emmanuel Riffaud, General Manager & Chief Winemaker, Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile, explains what makes wine from this part of the world so special in an exclusive interview with The Daily.

 What are you presenting at Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2023?
Baron Philippe de Rothschild is presenting all of its Bordeaux and Chilean collections. For Chilean wines, the Escudo Rojo range is complete and in particular the Baronesa P. cuvée, created in homage to Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. We are also offering tastings from the Mapu range from our property in Villavicencio in the Maule Valley, including two new wines: Tierra Sagrada Carignan Vigno and Tierra Sagrada País Almaule.

Why are these 2 cuvées specific?
The Mapu Tierra Sagrada collection was born from the desire to pay tribute to the Chilean wine heritage while highlighting forgotten grape varieties, century-old vines and original terroirs. The wines are authentic, unique and benefit from the know-how of Baron Philippe de Rothschild.

Vigno, is an appellation created by an association of winegrowers from the Secano region in the Maule valley, to restore the prestige of the old vines of Carignan. The wines must meet precise specifications: 100% from old vines, pruned in goblets and mostly non-irrigated. Only a few vineyards can meet these specificities, which makes the wines unique and available in limited quantities.

Similarly behind Almaule there are seven wine estates working to recognise País, an indigenous Chilean grape variety that has been neglected for too long. The style of the wine is simple and fruity, and its elaboration is defined by framed requirements. Our parcel of old vines from País de Villavicencio is exceptional. Planted in 1900, it covers seven hectares in one piece. Beyond the fact that more than a century of history watches over the vineyard, it is above all the rooting of the vines and the intensity of the juice of the berries that are remarkable.

What is the impact of climate change on the Maule Valley?
In Chile like elsewhere, climate change has an impact on the vineyard. Moreover, the year 2022 was particularly hot. The Maule Valley is located in southern Chile, at the 35° parallel, which gives it a cool and temperate climate, with rainfall close to that of Bordeaux. Its geographical position is therefore a considerable asset today.

Could you take us through the steps of your wine making process?
With the conviction that a great wine begins in the vineyard, we have carried out important work on the terroir since the acquisition of the estate 10 years ago: in-depth studies of the soil by electro-conductivity, the implementation of practices sustainable crops, a responsible and respectful policy. Today, the meticulous work in the micro-zone, these commitments and the expertise of Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s teams provide many details and allow the uniqueness of the grape varieties to be expressed.

What are the main markets that you are particularly interested in?
Today, our main markets for Tierra Sagrada Vigno and Almaule are Brazil, Germany, the United States and Japan. But the search for authenticity and quality is a strong trend and we do not forbid ourselves any request.

Hall 6 / Stand C-167

Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2023 welcomes 41 producer countries

The trade show has become the central hub for the global wine and spirits industry. Noteworthy international pavilions include the United States which are making their big comeback in Paris, with California, Oregon, New York and Washington all taking part. Also under the spotlight is Argentina, Japan, Canada, Germany, Austria, Greece, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Portugal, Belgium and Switzerland, who are attending for the first time.

Hall 6 / Stand C-167