Fuego Austral

Fuego was founded in 1998 when the Ventisquero Family broke ground on their iconic winery in the heart of Chile’s Maipo Valley. They planted grapes in the finest sub-zones in the Maipo Valley, namely Casablanca and Colchagua. In 2019, they won the Best Chilean Winery award by, none other than, the Berlin Wine Association. We know that the Germans know a thing or two about wine.

While Argentina was making its name with Malbec, Fuego decided to make its mark with the most planted varietal in Bordeaux. So, they planted it in the best areas and took whatever time necessary to make a great wine. The Ventisqueros are very meticulous about their estate. It is now certified sustainable, which means they only use what they can re-use to protect the soil and natural habitat around them with undaunting precision.

That precision is carried through in their wine production. Just consider the fact that the grapes for our selection took a month to pick! That is unheard of in most vineyards. Going through the vineyards many times and only picking the ripest, most perfect grapes is about as expensive a process as there is. But, that’s what they do and the result leaves no argument.

That result is this stunning Merlot that sports lavish cherry and spiced cinnamon notes followed by black earth, flecks of cocoa powder and a light shower of vanilla. Each sensation is limitless as each taste never finishes but beckons the next. This wine is great with smoked turkey or a classic cassoulet.