Bouchon Family Wines, País Salvaje, Maule Valley, Chile 2016

Recommended by: Julien Bouard (Zhulian Wines Consulting)

Introduced by missionaries four centuries ago, País was arguably the first vitis vinifera variety to arrive in America, where it is called ‘Mission’, suggesting its importance and usage at that time.

Chile, perhaps better known for its Carmenere, was also the first country to make wine using the País grape—though only for low-end, characterless bulk wines. During the last decade, many wineries in Chile have started to rediscover País, making easy-drinking red wines that reflect the terroir.

The Bouchon winery harvested wild País from the forest to make this wine. The grapes were destemmed by hand and made without the use of sulphur dioxide or filtration. This is indeed a wine ‘made by nature’.

It’s neither too complex nor extremely intense, but it's clean with light red fruit flavours, a refreshing palate and light body, which is an intoxicating combination. This is the wine that will help me fully relax during the Chinese New Year holiday!

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