Source: WineBusiness.com
August 01, 2017
Marchese Piero Antinori discovered the Maipo Valley estate and its potential for high quality wines in 2001. In 2003, the Antinori family collaborated with Haras de Pirque’s Matte family in a joint venture to create Albis, the winery’s flagship wine. The partnership evolved as Marchesi Antinori began managing vineyard and winemaking operations, culminating up to the acquisition.
“We are excited to continue our Chilean venture,” says Albiera Antinori, President of Marchesi Antinori. “Haras de Pirque is a renowned producer in the Maipo Valley, and we will focus on enhancing the quality of our estate-grown fruit through sustainable and organic vineyard practices.”
The estate includes 247 acres of vineyards planted with Carménère (Chile’s signature varietal), and international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Located in the upper Maipo Valley, the region enjoys a semi-arid climate, strongly influenced by the close proximity of the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The soils have a loam-clay texture that provides good drainage and lower yields.
“The beauty of the region and unique terroir has always fascinated us,” says Antinori. “We will continue to merge tradition and innovation to craft flavorful, elegant wines at the highest standards.”
Haras de Pirque becomes the latest international estate owned by Marchesi Antinori. The family also runs properties throughout Italy, the United States, Hungary, Malta and Romania.