A Los Vinateros Bravos "Pais Volcanico" Itata Valley Pais 2022

Vin Chicago: 91 Points

(7/2023) Pais has grown in Chile for over 400 years! Brought to the region by Spanish conquistadors, it was largely untended for many years and thrived naturally, needing little intervention from today's farmers. It's an elegant, lithe, light-bodied wine with a signature smokiness. This particular selection from winemaker Leo Erazo is cultivated in volcanic basalt soils. The cinder and ash influence weaves through silky red fruits, candied orange and a touch of sage. Perfectly complex and also supremely chuggable (it would be delightful with a chill on it) this is one of those wines that had us saying, Oh, Wow! every time we took a sip. We dream of pairing it with grilled pork chops and a fresh herb salad.