duo

Today’s Chile is a country of great natural beauty and a vibrant culture reflecting the rich traditions and diversity of its people. A broad range of microclimates, coupled with varied soil types and ideally sited vineyards, make for growing conditions that match the best in the world. duo is a reflection of the artistic and stylish lifestyle of modern Chile and its long winemaking tradition.

duo is a collaboration between Pacific Wine Partners’ Cellar Door and the world-renowned Huneeus family. Agustin Huneeus has dedicated more than forty years to producing fine wines around the world. As a native Chilean, Huneeus has led the renaissance of the Chilean wine industry, and can be credited with helping elevate the quality and value of modern Chilean wines. Agustin Francisco Huneeus has literally grown up in the wine industry, and like his father before him, has already begun to exert a profound influence on the Chilean wine business.

Under the watchful eye of both these visionary men, winemaker Rafael Tirado (also winemaker at Veramonte) crafts wines of distinction using fruit sourced from Huneeus family vineyards and those of long-term trusted growers.

the wines
Launched in early 2006, duo offers a 2005 Casablanca Valley Sauvignon Blanc and a 2003 Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot. The Sauvignon Blanc is 100% varietal with bright citrus flavors, tangy acidity and vivacious freshness. The grapes are selected from vineyard blocks in the higher elevations. The Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, blended from fruit from established 25-year old vineyards in the Alto Maipo region, is bold, smooth and enticing with fresh red berry and black currant characters. Both wines are available nationally at select fine wine merchants for a suggested retail price of $14.00.

Just a few miles off the Pacific Coast, Casablanca Valley enjoys growing conditions similar to Napa’s Carneros District. A slow ripening process, influenced by cool sea breezes, produces exquisitely fine and fresh whites that combine a sumptuous character and intensity with persistent flavors of ripe tropical fruits and citrus. Casablanca’s cool conditions and long growing season render it perfect for producing a Sauvignon Blanc with great intensity and finesse.

Maipo Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in Chile, tucked below the Andes mountain range just outside of Santiago. More than half of Maipo is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The warm, dry summers, long growing season and poor soils produce extremely intense styles.