Winery Spotlight: BodegasRE
BODEGAS RE
"RE are unique conceptual wines, which involve RE Creation of ancestral Genesis, through the use of artisan processes of wine making in clay amphoras, with current techniques and knowledge"
Bodegas RE is the creation of Pablo Morandé and his family. Pablo is credited with the discovery and advancement of the Casablanca Valley as a wine growing region. For Chile, this was the beginning of cool-climate, coastal wines. The Casablanca Valley is defined by its close proximity to the coast which brings morning fog and cool air from the Humbolt Current. Today, Chile’s most high-quality Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay are grown in these coastal regions.
The Morandé family has been growing grapes in Chile for generations. They have a strong connection with their heritage, and they maintain the belief that wine should be made in a simple way, as it was in the past. However, the family is constantly progressive by pushing the boundaries of what it means to make quality wines. In 2008, the Morandé family established Bodegas RE in the Casablanca Valley. At Bodegas RE, the wines are full of creativity and intrigue. Bodegas RE utilizes clay amphoras, unique blending, and traditional wine making techniques to produce wines that stand out from the rest.
Amphoras
The cellar at Bodegas RE is unlike any other that I have seen. Instead of shiny, stainless steel tanks, the underground cellar is dominated by large clay amphoras. These personalized vessels are specially designed to allow the CO2 from fermentation to create movement within the amphora. This acts as a natural maceration technique to limit manual interference from punch-downs or pump-overs. The walkway of the cellar is lined with more amphoras that stand no more than waist-high. However, the ground is hiding their true stature as these amphoras are buried within the earth. The cool underground is especially useful this time of year. Fermentations are well underway!
Blending
One of the first things that you will notice about the wines at Bodegas RE are their combination of varietal names. The names, like the wines, are strung together to produce one fluid piece. Bodegas RE has compiled a portfolio of wines which highlights blending as a craftsmanship.
Field blends are made by various varietals inter planted in one vineyard. Together, they are harvested and fermented to incorporate complexity. In the case of Bodegas RE’s Doble, the vines themselves are a blend of varieties. Check this out: The block of grapes dedicated to Doble is planted on Pais roots. These roots have been grafted with different varieties over the years, which maintains the vine’s trunk. After a few trial and errors, Bodegas RE made the bold and creative decision to graft one arm of the vines with Carignan and the other arm with Grenacha. If you are keeping count, that is four different varieties within one vine.
Co-Fermentation is a signature of Bodegas RE’s wines. Two or more varietals are fermented together which allows the extracted compounds to influence each other during the active period of wine making. The main challenge with co-fermentation is the harvesting period as the two varieties often ripen at different times. It takes skills and understanding for the winemaker to pick the optimal time to harvest.
Final Blends are the most common form of blending in the wine world. Sensory analysis is used to balance and perfect wines. Blending options between varietals, vineyards, and vintages create endless possibilities for the final product. This type of blending is often reflected as the artistic rendition of the winemaker. He/she must have keen senses to blend different components to make a final, harmonious wine.
tasting
The hospitality was exceptional. The tasting room was welcoming and created an ease to the whole experience. The hostess was well informed about each wine, and she delivered a well-organized flight, listed below. I should also note that Bodegas RE makes an incredible sparkling wine, Nature Virgen, Blanc de Noir. I will talk more about this wine in my upcoming post, “Restaurant Spotlight: Barrica 94.”
Chardonnoir 2015 (Chardonnay & Pinot Noir)
Syranoir 2014 (Syrah & Pinot Noir)
Syragnan 2016(Syrah & Carignan)
RE Doble 2015(Carignan & Grenache)
Cabergnan 2010 (Cabrnet & Carignan)
Vigno*by Vina Roja 2010(Old Vine Carignan)
Lomajes 2013**by Vina Roja (Old Vine Carignan)
Velado 2012(Pinot Noir w/ yeast veil)
RE noble 2013(Noble Rot; Botrytis)
*VIGNO: Vignadores de Carignan; A collective group of wine producers which follow certain criteria to make Old Vine Carignan from the Maule Region in hopes of establishing a DOC.
**Lomajes uses the same fruit as the VIGNO. However, this wine is free from restraints and made in a different fashion. It is a fun comparison between the two wines.
These wines are far from the conventional Chilean wines. The combination of historic techniques plus modern innovation has proven to work for Bodegas RE. I was genuinely curious and pleased about each wine that I tried. There is a level of complexity and intrigue that makes them so successful. I value wines that are thought provoking. Each one was distinct and well defined making them memorable.
