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País is a historic red grape variety experiencing a true renaissance in South America, particularly in Chile. Extremely light, fresh, and earthy red wines are crafted from old bush vines, often over a century old. It is an authentic drink reflecting a natural and rustic style, perfectly suited for those seeking an elegant alternative to heavy red wines.
Read moreFor a long time, this variety was used only for mass-produced table wines, but today artisan winemakers are restoring its well-deserved glory. When choosing, the most important factor to consider is the age of the vineyards.
The highest quality País wines are made from old vines (often 100–200 years old) growing in the dry Maule, Itata, and Bio Bio valleys. Dry-farmed vines produce small but incredibly aromatic berries. Such wine stands out with a light color, low alcohol content, and vibrant aromas of fresh strawberries, herbs, and earth.
Thanks to its pronounced acidity, light body, and soft tannins, País is incredibly food-friendly. It pairs ideally with traditional Chilean cuisine—meat pastries (empanadas) and corn and meat pies (pastel de choclo). It also wonderfully complements cured meat appetizers, lightly roasted chicken, and even richer fish.
País (known as "Mission" in North America and "Criolla Chica" in Argentina) was one of the first grapes brought to the Americas by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century. However, in the late 19th century, with the mass planting of more fashionable French varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, País was marginalized. Only in the last decade have young winemakers, inspired by the natural wine movement, rediscovered the potential of these old vines.
Yes, this is one of those red wines that truly benefits from a light chill. We recommend serving it at around 13–15 °C. Chilling helps balance the rustic notes and highlights the crisp red berry profile, making the wine a perfect choice for warm summer evenings.
