Missing since the nineteenth century, the “lost grape of Bordeaux” was recently found hiding in Chile. For a century and a half, Carmenère had grown side by side with Merlot. Finally, in the early l990s, scientifc analysis revealed its long-lost identity. The rediscovery of Carmenère has thrilled Chilean winemakers, including the youthful and technologically savvy team at La Playa Vineyards, who now regard the grape as Chile’s own (like Zinfandel in California) and are eager to have the world share in their excitement.

Producer

The very first La Playa wine, named for Chile’s magnificent Pacific coastline and the vibrant rivers that nourish the Vina La Playa vineyards, was introduced in 1987 by the Axelsen family of California. The Axelsens also own CabCorp Wine Merchants in Marin, California, established in 1980 and the exclusive importer and distributor of La Playa wines in the United States and Canada. Vina La Playa S.A. of Chile is a partnership between the Axelsens and two prominent Chilean winemaking legends: the Sutil and Errazuriz families. The winery encompasses 600 acres of prime property in the Colchagua Valley, plus 200 acres in Limari Valley and additional vineyards in such highly desirable areas such as Curico Valley, Bio-Bio and Maule Valley.