The opening gambit from the enigmatic Vinicola VIK. A creative, Bordeaux inspired blend, combining Chile's signature red grape Carmenère with Old World varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. Firm in texture, and well structured, with an energetic core of vibrant fruit that promises both instant drinking pleasure, and serious cellaring potential.

Under the direction of Alexander and Carrie Vik with Patrick Valette, a team of some of the most knowledgeable and passionate professionals came together with the singular mission to produce the best wine that the exceptional terroir at VIK vineyard could offer. The goal from inception has been to have VIK join the pantheon of the great wines of the world.

The vineyard location in Millahue (in the Mapuche language, “place of gold”) was selected after two years of intense scientific research and more than 4,000 meticulous deep-soil studies to find the ideal terroir to grow the best grapes, which would then express themselves in an exceptional wine. Climate conditions were taken under careful consideration; weather stations were installed and a team of scientists and wine agricultural experts intensely researched all elements of the terroir, including the diversity of exposures to the sun, wind, soil types and conditions, hydric flows, thermal amplitude and geographic orientation. All of these essential elements further determined the VIK vineyard location as the optimal location to grow the perfect grape. The vineyard consists of twelve expansive valleys situated on 11,000 acres of land. Varietals grown at VIK vineyard include Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

The team began planting the vines in 2006. Nearly a decade in the making, in 2015 VIK vineyard released its premier vintage, VIK 2011, followed by the debut of Milla Cala in 2016. The family of wines was joined during 2017 by La Piu Belle and in 2020 by La Piu Belle Rosé 2019. Each wine offers its own distinct personality while still reflecting the holistic VIK philosophy.

Click on the video link below the wine bottle and see Richard Siddle and Joe Wadsack chat about the 2013 vintage of this wine.