Bodega Volcanes
Overview
Estate
Bodega Volcanes de Chile is a premium wine project within Grupo Vinos del Pacífico (Viña Undurraga Holding), created to explore the influence of volcanic soils on Chilean wines. The project developed from a geological study of estate vineyards that identified parcels with significant volcanic components. The first wine, Parinacota, was produced in 2008, and the first exports followed in 2010. Today, the winery works with vineyards in several Chilean valleys, using the diversity of volcanic sites as the central theme of the range.
Climate
The vineyards span a wide range of Chilean climates, from the dry conditions of Maule and Limarí to the cooler, coastal influence of Leyda and Casablanca, and the much cooler southern conditions of Bío Bío, Itata, and Malleco. Each vineyard is selected for the combination of climate, variety, and volcanic influence that can best express its origin.
Soil
Volcanic soils are the defining element of Bodega Volcanes. These soils can help vines withstand high temperatures, retain humidity, and maintain drainage. A geological study was conducted to identify vineyard areas with the strongest volcanic influence, and grapes from those parcels were set aside for the Volcanes project.
Vineyards
The project sources grapes from multiple Chilean valleys: Maipo, Maule, Leyda, Casablanca, Bío Bío, Malleco, Itata, and Limarí. The vineyards, therefore, cover very different latitudes and climatic conditions, while sharing the presence of volcanic components in their soils. The first Parinacota came from a dry-farmed Maule vineyard. The current range includes varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carignan, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot, depending on the wine and vineyard.
Cultivation
The winery achieved sustainable certification. The first Parinacota vineyard was dry-farmed, while irrigation practices vary according to the different valleys.
Winery
The winemaking philosophy is to let the volcanic origin and the grape variety remain visible, with limited reliance on oak.
Winemaker
Pilar Díaz is Head Winemaker at Bodega Volcanes de Chile. She grew up around vineyards through her agronomist parents, including her mother, the Chilean winemaker Pilar González. Pilar Díaz joined Viña Undurraga in 2009 as an assistant winemaker, working closely with Rafael Urrejola on projects including T.H., Altazor, and Founder's Collection. She subsequently took the lead at Bodega Volcanes. Ben Gordon is the company's Managing Director.
Focus Point
• Volcanic soils as the central identity of the winery.
• Geological study of vineyard parcels to identify strong volcanic influence.
• Vineyards across eight Chilean valleys.
• Combination of different climates, latitudes, and grape varieties.
• Pilar Díaz as Head Winemaker.
• The pioneering Parinacota project from dry-farmed Maule fruit.
Marketing materials
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Bodega Volcanes logo
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