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WINES OF CHILE
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Viña Leyda
/Veen-Ya Lay-Duh/
Leyda Valley, Chile
Viña Leyda is an innovative winery that discovered and developed a new viticultural region of Chile: The
Leyda Valley. Pioneers in cool, coastal viticulture, Leyda is amongst the most awarded wineries in Chile,
internationally recognized for its outstanding Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc among other varietals.
Dedicated to using the latest technology to analyze every detail of the region, their ongoing research
ensures that each variety performs to its maximum potential. State-of-the-art equipment combined
with a diverse selection of barrel types ensures that Leyda consistently produces some of Chile’s most
expressive, highest-quality wines.
The most distinguishing characteristic of Leyda is its location. Nestled in the rolling hills of Chile’s coastal
mountain range, in its namesake Leyda Valley just eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, the area has a
distinctly cool, maritime climate with moderate, rainy winters, dry summers and a unique influence from
the sea—an optimal area for the production of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Planted on rolling hills with
low-nutrient, loamy-clay soils, the Leyda vineyards are ideal for producing small yields of concentrated
grapes. Within the vineyard, the architecture, density and irrigation levels are constantly adjusted to
attain the perfect ripening conditions for each variety. There are three main vineyards that contribute to
the character of the Leyda classic line: La Arboleda (planted in 1998), Il Maiten (planted in 2008), and El
Granito (planted in 2010). In addition to those three key vineyards, Viña Leyda crafts wine from a number
of unique, single vineyards as well (Garuma and Las Brisas), which are planted to grow quintessential
expressions of the Leyda Valley’s most beloved varietals.
Viviana Navarrete is the exceptionally talented winemaker behind Leyda. She graduated at the top of
her class with a degree in oenology from Pontifica Unversidad Catolica de Chile. Viviana’s vision is to
harness the potential of the vineyards in Leyda Valley to demonstrate the ability of this area to produce
extraordinary and expressive cool-climate wines.
Leyda Sauvignon Blanc
Made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc from estate vineyards in the Leyda Valley, the grapes were
macerated at low temperatures to enhance aromas and flavors. Afterward, the wine was cooled to
controlled temperatures before being clarified and aged in stainless steel tanks for eighteen days. The
wine was aged on its lees for five months to round it out and improve the texture on the palate. Mineral
and elegant, this wine displays the maritime character of Leyda, together with an even complexity of
herbs and citrus notes. On the palate, it features fresh, herbal hints, crisp acidity and a juicy finish.
2014:
88 V |
2013:
Top 100 Best Buys of 2014 WE