Viu Manent is a Chilean winery owned by the Viu family. It all started with Catalan immigrant Miguel Viu-García who started a small-scale wine business in 1935. He bottled and sold wine in the local market under the brand "Vinos Viu".
Over the years, the company has become a major player within the domestic and international wine market. Today, already, the third generation is active. It is Jose Miguel Viu who has been in charge of the company since 2000. Together with his three sisters and a dedicated team of specialists, they are responsible for producing a large line of quality wines.
'Our family's history has long been closely linked to wine. We are proud of everything we have built. Deep-rooted traditions go hand in hand with innovation. By putting our hearts into things we care about, we are convinced we are doing the right thing. We see wine as a living matter, which is a reflection of many things. All wines have their own personality. In this respect, we believe Chile is a privileged country for wine production, with the magical Colchagua Valley in particular,' says managing director Jose Miguel Viu Bottini.
Own vineyards
It works mainly with grapes from its own vineyards, where many others often purchase grapes. Unlike many large producers, there is a deliberate focus on a single wine region. Not surprisingly, that is where it all began: the Colchagua Valley. Although 254 hectares sounds like a lot, by Chilean standards the company is medium-sized. Opinion: growth is not always an improvement and quality over quantity. Viu Manent undertakes a lot and is one of Chile's best-visited wineries.
Precision viticulture
Nothing is left to chance. The company works according to what is known as precision viticulture, where certain choices are made only on the basis of intensive studies. With this method, they commit themselves to a continuous quest to improve quality. The company owns quite a few hectares of old vines. Some of them are even more than 100 years old!
Relationship
Besides passion for wine, the company invests heavily in its relationship with its environment. A vision born from the idea that the local environment, Chile as a country, as well as all guests, customers and business relations are partly at the basis of what Viu Manent is today.
Colchagua Valley
Located some 130 km south of the capital Santiago, the Colchagua Valley is one of Chile's most important wine regions. It is part of the Rapel Valley and is best known for producing red wines made from Cabernet, Carménère, Syrah and Malbec. The valley is beautifully situated between the Andes mountain ranges to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
The cooling influence of the sea and mountains is essential in the otherwise dry and hot climate. In particular, the large temperature differences between day and night make this an extremely interesting and ideal place for viticulture. Vineyard management under these conditions is also undoubtedly one of the most ecological in the world.
Winemaking
Patricio Celedon is head winemaker at Viu Manent. Since his arrival in 2010, Viu Manent has clearly taken a new direction. Celedon's view is that, for a long time, Chile produced wines characterised by too much oak, sweetness and alcohol. Under his supervision, the company is striving for a more fresh and pure style in which the expression of grape and terroir can be easily recognised.
This revolutionary method is beautifully reflected in the Reserva line, which represents the purest form of each of the grape varieties Viu Manent works with. Young, pure and fruity wines that are largely vinified in stainless steel and cement tanks - only a small proportion of some wines receive light wood maturation.
Single-vineyard wines
Besides the Gran Reserva and Secret lines, there are also beautiful Single Vineyard wines. These are very small productions, made from the very best grapes from specially selected plots in three vineyards in Colchagua Valley. Limited yields, perfectly ripe grapes, manual harvesting and 14 to 18-month ageing in French oak barrels make for exceptional wines with extraordinary character.
Sustainability
A family business always acts with the interests for the future in mind. Viu Manent is, partly because of this, very committed to the concept of sustainability. It is one of its strategic pillars and part of its corporate philosophy. Thus, the company is an organisation that values conservation and respect for the environment. It also cares for its staff, family, traditions and focuses on continuous improvement in the areas of work, safety and health. Many far-reaching changes have been made and Viu Manent wants to remain committed to these issues into the future.
Based on the awareness that a healthy nature and environment is essential for the quality and survival of the vineyards, there is an intensive programme to promote biodiversity. Examples include planting certain crops, installation of platforms for raptors, a reforestation programme for native species in conjunction with CONAF and the creation of biological corridors.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The entire operation is based on respect for ethical values, with great appreciation for the people who make up the organisation and the neighbouring community. In doing so, Viu Manent confirms itself to the requirements, set by the Chilean wine industry, in this regard.
Wine tourism
Viu Manent's Visitors Centre is among the best in the world. Viu Manent's motto: those who visit the estate get an unforgettable experience in return. Wine lovers from all over the world get their money's worth here; everything has been thought of. As a visitor, you can choose from numerous tours, tastings and other activities. The estate also houses several restaurants. One example is the restaurant Rayuela where very pure and local dishes are prepared using freshly delivered products daily. Of course, guests have the option of pairing the dishes with the various wines from the estate itself.
For more information on visiting the winery, please refer to www.viumanent.cl
Points of sale
Click here for sales info in the Netherlands or tasselwinebuyers.co.uk
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