Viu Manent

Viu Manent: A Gem of Chilean Wine

Viu Manent is one of the leading names in Chilean wine, known for its balanced, refined wines and rooted in a rich family tradition. Owned by the Viu family for nearly a century, this winery has evolved and innovated to become one of the pioneers of viticulture in Chile, while preserving a winemaking know-how passed down through generations.

History and Origins of Viu Manent

Founded in 1935 by Catalan immigrant Miguel Viu García and his two sons, Agustin and Miguel Viu Manent, the Viu Manent winery first began as "Vinos Viu" in Santiago, Chile. At that time, the family marketed wines for the local market. However, it wasn’t until 1966, with the purchase of the historic estate of San Carlos de Cunaco in the Colchagua Valley, that Miguel Viu Manent's dream of producing his own wines became a reality.

The San Carlos de Cunaco estate, with vineyards dating back to the 19th century, is one of the oldest in Chile. Its 150 hectares of vines are home to noble French grape varieties, such as Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, which are cultivated with respect for tradition while incorporating modern viticultural methods. This traditional vineyard remains at the heart of the estate’s production and is a source of pride for the Viu family.

Expansion and Innovation

In the early 1990s, Viu Manent modernized its facilities to enhance the quality of its wines and meet the demands of international markets. Today, 95% of Viu Manent wines are exported to more than 30 countries, reflecting their global recognition.

The estate now has three distinct vineyards, all located in the prestigious Colchagua Valley:

1. San Carlos de Cunaco: The original vineyard, home to some of the oldest and noblest grape varieties.
2. La Capilla: Located in Peralillo, this vineyard is renowned for its diversity of grape varieties and the quality of its wines.
3. El Olivar Alto: Also located in Peralillo, it stands out for its concentrated and powerful wines, thanks to its well-exposed slopes.

A Pioneering Commitment to Excellence

Viu Manent is a pioneer in Chilean viticulture, especially in researching how grape varieties adapt to the specific conditions of each vineyard. The estate has optimized the cultivation of its flagship varieties while seeking better-suited lands for growing white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. These grapes come from the cooler Leyda and Casablanca valleys, which allow the production of elegant, fruity white wines.

New Zealand-born winemaker Grant Phelps has been instrumental in this ongoing innovation, constantly striving to improve the quality of the wines. His meticulous work and passion for Chilean terroir have helped Viu Manent stand out with wines that have fruity aromatics and supple structure, appealing to wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Viu Manent's Signature Wines

The estate offers a wide range of wines that reflect both the diversity of its vineyards and the richness of its grape varieties. Among the most renowned wines from Viu Manent are:

Viu Manent Gran Reserva Carmenere

Viu Manent Gran Reserva Carmenere is one of the estate’s most iconic wines. This grape, long forgotten in Europe, has found a new life in Chile, where it thrives in the rich soils of the Colchagua Valley. The 2011 vintage is especially praised for its balance, smooth mouthfeel, and aromas of ripe red fruits, spices, and dark chocolate. This red wine pairs perfectly with grilled meats, spicy dishes, and aged cheeses.

Viu Manent Secreto Sauvignon Blanc

Secreto Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine made from grapes grown in the cooler regions of Leyda and Casablanca. This wine impresses with its freshness, citrus and tropical fruit aromas, and lively palate. It pairs ideally with seafood, salads, and light fish dishes.

Viu Manent Single Vineyard Malbec

Single Vineyard Malbec from Viu Manent is sourced from the finest plots of the San Carlos estate. This deep, concentrated red wine offers aromas of plums, blackcurrants, and violets, with spicy notes and subtle oak. Its well-balanced tannic structure makes it an ideal wine to pair with red meats, sauced dishes, and strong cheeses.

The Viu Manent Experience: A Memorable Visit

In addition to wine production, Viu Manent offers a unique wine tourism experience for visitors. The estate welcomes guests for tastings, horse-drawn carriage vineyard tours, and winemaking workshops where visitors can discover the secrets of Chilean wine. Visitors can explore the historic vineyards, visit the winery and patronal house, and taste some of the estate’s best wines.

Awards and Accolades

Thanks to the consistent quality of its wines, Viu Manent has received numerous international awards and accolades over the years. Wine critics and oenology experts regularly praise the finesse, complexity, and balance of the estate’s wines. Viu Manent is often ranked among the top wine producers in Chile, solidifying its global reputation.

Viu Manent's Environmental Commitment

Viu Manent is committed to adopting environmentally friendly practices. The estate has implemented initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, such as responsible irrigation, minimal use of chemicals, and the adoption of renewable energy sources. Additionally, the estate actively participates in preserving local biodiversity by maintaining biological corridors and promoting sustainable farming methods.

Conclusion: Viu Manent, an Unmissable Family Wine Legacy

Viu Manent represents much more than just a wine producer. It is a symbol of family heritage, respect for tradition, and ongoing innovation. Whether for wine enthusiasts or newcomers, Viu Manent offers a unique experience through its complex, elegant, and approachable wines. Each bottle tells a story—the story of a family passionate about wine and committed to sharing the best of the Colchagua Valley with the world.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Viu Manent

What makes Viu Manent wines so special? Viu Manent wines stand out for their respect for Chilean winemaking traditions, combined with modern production techniques. Their wine quality stems from the diversity of their terroirs, the rigorous selection of grape varieties, and the expertise of their winemaker, Grant Phelps.

What grape varieties are grown by Viu Manent? Viu Manent cultivates a wide range of grape varieties, including Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, and white varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Can you visit the Viu Manent estate? Yes, Viu Manent offers guided vineyard tours, wine tastings, and wine tourism experiences. Visitors can learn about the estate’s history, tour the cellars, and participate in exclusive tastings.

Where are Viu Manent wines exported? Viu Manent wines are exported to more than 30 countries, including Europe, the United States, Asia, and Latin America.

What are Viu Manent’s flagship wines? Among the flagship wines are the Gran Reserva Carmenere, Secreto Sauvignon Blanc, and Single Vineyard Malbec, each showcasing the estate’s expertise.

What is Viu Manent’s environmental commitment? Viu Manent is committed to adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly viticultural practices, with initiatives to preserve biodiversity, reduce water and chemical use, and promote renewable energy.