Maquis Terroir
The historic Viña Maquis, farmed by the Jesuits in the 18th century and two Chilean presidents in the 19th century, has been owned by the Hurtado Vicuña family since 1916. Today, Ricardo Rivadeneira Hurtado is the 4th generation of the family to manage Maquis. He studied agronomy and enology and worked at wineries in the Napa Valley and Bordeaux before returning to Chile and eventually taking on management responsibilities at Maquis in 2000.
The US Importer is Global Vineyards.
Winemaker Rodrigo Romero
Viña Maquis has changed dramatically since the turn of the century. A new winery was built in 2002, and French consultants were brought in to give advice on viticulture and winemaking. Xavier Choné began his viticulture work in 2005, and Eric Boissenot gives advice on blending. In 2013 the winery’s international expertise rose with the arrival of chief winemaker Rodrigo Romero, who previously made wine in Burgundy, Tuscany and Napa Valley.
Viña Maquis’ Colchagua Valley vineyard is bordered by two rivers, the Tinguiririca River and Chimabarongo Creek, which keep temperatures lower than other parts of the valley, even in hot, dry years like 2020. Two of the wines reviewed below are from the 2020 vintage, while two others are from the cool, balanced 2019 vintage.
The Wines
Maquis 2023 Rosé Gran Reserva Colchagua Valley ($19) 92 Light pink-tinged copper. Reticent on the nose but mineral like with red berry, citrus, and mineral inflections on the palate, this Malbec-led blend is refreshing and brisk with good acidity and a long, rich finish. A hand harvested mix of 65% Malbec and 35% Cabinet Franc from Chile’s Colchagua Valley. Fermented and aged 6 months on the lees in neutral oak. 12.5% alc. Excellent value!
Maquis 2020 Cabernet Franc Gran Reserva Colchagua Valley ($23) 91 The Cabernet Franc did surprisingly well in this hot vintage. There’s plenty of juicy, ripe dark fruit with some herbal notes but none of the greeness that can accompany this varietal. Delicious, although the tannins are on the hard side. A blend of 87% Cabernet Franc, 7% Carménère, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petit Verdot from certified sustainable estate vineyards. Matured 12 months in French oak. pH 3.55, 14% alc.
Maquis 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva Colchagua Valley ($23) 92 From the very good 2019 vintage, this flavorful, balanced Cabernet Sauvignon reveals black currant, herbs, and notes of black olive and graphite. it has fresh acidity, gripping tannins, and a long, rich finish. Like all the Maquis wines, an excellent value! A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Carmenere, and 2% Petit Verdot from certified sustainable estate vineyards. Aged 12 months in French oak. pH 3.59, 13.5% alc.
Maquis 2020 Carménère Gran Reserva Colchagua Valley ($23) 92 Opens with expressive aromas of red and black berries complemented by herbs, spices, and a touch of shaved dark chocolate. Juicy and mouth filling on the palate, it has finely grained tannins and a long finish. A blend of 92% Carménère, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot from certified sustainable estate vineyards; aged 12 months in French oak. pH 3.66, 14% alc.
Maquis 2019 Lien Colchagua Valley ($38) 94 We’ve been tasting the Viña Maquis Lien blend for many years, and it never disappoints. The 2019 vintage is an elegant wine, beautifully balanced with a layered profile, good acidity, and round tannins. Dark cherries, cassis, tobacco leaf, minerals and a hint of cocoa all put in an appearance. Outstanding! Hand picked 46% Cabernet Franc, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Carménère; aged 18 months in French oak. pH 3.60, 14.1% alc.
