"A light and fruity beauty, easily drunk." Pedro Parra's ‘Vinista’ Itata, Chile.

Pedro Parra ‘Vinista’ Itata (Chile) 2019, 12% ABV

RRP €25.95. Stockists: The Cinnamon Cottage /
JJ O’Driscoll Superstore Ballinlough / Donnybrook Fair /
The Corkscrew / Avoca

"A light and fruity beauty, easily drunk." 

An attractive light red colour is a feature of this Pedro Parra ‘Vinista’. Aromas are also light and inviting with cranberries, some spice and herb as well. No shortage of that fruit on the light and vivacious palate either, all complemented by a gentle kick of acidity. Fruity and light along with featherweight tannins. String quartet rather than full orchestra, it is immediately harmonious right through to the engaging finalé. 

‘Vinista’ comprises 100% País sourced from 120-year-old vines, aged in concrete and stainless steel. Pais is a red grape variety of great historical importance. It was the first Vitis Vinifera grape variety to be exported (via the conquistadores) from the Old World to the New World in the 16th century. It is known as Criolla Chica in Argentina and as Mission in California.

Pais is pronounced as pah-ees. Don’t say no just because you’re not familiar with it. You’ll miss out on a light and fruity beauty. An easily drunk wine and Very Highly Recommended.

Pedro Parra (via Liberty Wines)

Pedro Parra is a major favourite of mine. He has spent decades working internationally but bit by bit realised he really wanted his own vineyard and winery and so he set up in Itata near the ocean, 500 kms south of Santiago, the capital of Chile. And this Vinista, the fruit sourced from 120-year-old vines planted at 300 m above sea level, is one of the results. It was my wine of the year in 2020. 

Besides wine and family, Pedro’s other great love is jazz music. His three single-vineyard Cinsault ‘Premier Cru’ wines are aptly named after legendary musicians: Freddie Hubbard, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk.

You may well spot DO Secano Interior Itata on the label. It means  Itata Interior Dryland (secano meaning 'dry land' or 'unirrigated') and is the special DO for wines made from País or Cinsault in the area of southern Chile between the Mataquito and the Bío-Bío rivers.