Whether it's simply grilled or with sauce, it goes particularly well with red meat. "Vigno" is a project started in 2009 by producers in Chile's Maule Valley. Carignan was cultivated for blending with the Pais variety, which has long been cultivated in Chile. The producers themselves stepped up to save the old Carignan vines that were intended for local consumption and were eventually abandoned due to land reform. They make wine under harsh conditions, such as vines over 30 years old and non-irrigated fields. As of January 2019, 16 wineries are members, and all producers release wines with the same design logo "VIGNO" on the label.
<Bouchon Family Wines> French immigrant Emilio Bouchon settled in Chile in 1887. He purchased a vineyard in the Colchagua Valley. In the 1970s, Emilio's grandson Julio purchased a vineyard in the Maule Valley and established a winery. This marked the start of the current Bouchon Winery. In the 21st century, the business expanded along with the global advancement of Chilean wine. Currently, winemaking is being carried out by the fourth generation, Julio's children.
While continuing their winemaking traditions, they are also trying new things. They are actively involved in Vigno's activities to save old Carignan vines, and they are also focusing on the Pais grape variety, known as the origin of Chilean wine, to create wines that combine the old and the new.
Winemaker Christian Sepulveta is one of the most notable winemakers in Chile today, having been named Young Winemaker of the Year by renowned British wine critic Tim Atkin MW in his 2019 Chile Report.