Winebow Producer Book

Valle Central , Chile

Winery Overview Chile’s unique geography makes it one of very few grape growing regions in the world where original European rootstock has been unaffected by phylloxera. While most vineyards around the world are planted on grafted rootstock, Root: 1 grapes are grown on pure, ungrafted roots, producing wines of outstanding quality, with pure fruit flavors and authentic varietal character. Location of Vineyard Chile’s isolation, protected by the mighty Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, allows grape vines to remain on their original rootstock in their purest form. The country’s optimal climate and soil conditions help produce consistently outstanding grapes each year. The cooler coastal vineyards of Casablanca are ideally suited for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, while Cabernet and Carmenere flourish in the warm, sun drenched central valley of Colchagua.

Casablanca Valley - Located just 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean in Tapihue, the estate vineyards of Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are noted for their intense sun, cool coastal breezes and foggy evenings.

Colchagua Valley - Situated along the Tinguiririca River in Peralillo, El Suspiro estate vineyards of Root: 1 Cabernet and Carmenere are noted for their long, dry growing season producing wines of intense flavor.

Winemaking Philosophy Root: 1 is located in the Maipo Valley, in the district of San Pedro, an area close to the coast. It was built with efficiency, quality and cutting edge technology in mind, all of which is exemplified by the winery’s production process. It begins with a gravity flow system that ensures reception of blemish free grapes, and continues with the use of sorting tables that transport the fruit to stainless steel fermentation tanks.

Environmental care is also a key objective. Energy conservation is a priority and water used in the winery is recycled for irrigation. In addition, every effort is made to preserve the surrounding native flora and fauna.

Production processes conform to rigorous standards set by important certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, the Clean Production Agreement (CPL), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). In 2011, Viña Ventisquero was awarded a 100% Sustainable Certification by Wines of Chile. After getting a degree in agronomy from the Universidad de Chile, Felipe Tosso began his industry career in 1995 at Concha y Toro. After some time as chief winemaker for Concha y Toro’s Peumo Winery, he joined the Viña Ventisquero winemaking team in 2000 and has been the chief winemaker for Root: 1 since its launch in 2006. Today, Felipe travels the world in an ever increasing quest to sharpen his winemaking skills, visiting Napa; Sonoma; Priorat, Spain; Australia; and Bordeaux (Canon La Gaffelière, La Mondotte, and Clos de L’Oratoire). As the company’s chief winemaker, he is the driving force behind its pursuit of ever higher quality. His leadership and dedication to the environment have been instrumental in allowing Viña Ventisquero to become one of the most awarded wineries of Chile, earning certification as a 100% sustainable winery.