J. Bouchon 'Pais Viejo', Maule Valley, Chile

Wild strawberry, sour cherry, and fresh red fruit lead into floral, herbal, and lightly earthy notes, carried by vivid acidity and a supple, juicy frame. 2025 J. Bouchon 'Pais Viejo' is made entirely from País grown on dry-farmed, head-trained vines averaging 103 years of age in Maule's coastal drylands, where ancient granitic sandy loam soils and traditional farming preserve a distinctive expression of this historic variety. Hand harvesting, zaranda destemming, native-yeast fermentation, and concrete tanks keep the winemaking deliberately restrained, continuing Bouchon's long-standing work to give old-vine País a clear and unadorned voice.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: José Álvarez
• Consulting Winemaker: Christian Sepúlveda
• Grapes: 100% País
• Farming: Dry-farmed, Certified Sustainable
• Vineyard Source: Old head-trained, Gobelet vines in the coastal drylands
• Vine Age: Average 103 years
• Soil: Very old granitic sandy loam derived from the Coastal Mountains, with quartz and other mineral material
• Elevation: Approximately 650 feet
• Harvest Method: Hand-harvested
• Destemming: Traditional zaranda made from wooden sticks
• Fermentation: Native-yeast fermentation in concrete tanks
• ABV: 12.5%
• Cases Imported: 500

Sensory Description:

Bright cherry in color, with an energetic aromatic profile of wild strawberry, sour cherry, fresh red berries, and wildflowers. Herbal and lightly earthy accents give the fruit additional definition without adding weight. The palate is juicy and fluid, with refreshing acidity providing much of the wine's structure alongside firm but unobtrusive tannins. The old-vine fruit brings concentration without heaviness, allowing cherry, red currant, floral notes, and subtle savory tones to remain clear through the fresh, focused finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• 92 Points: Descorchados, 2025 Vintage
• 91 Points: Tim Atkin, 2025 Vintage

Winemaker’s Background:

Bouchon's history in Chile began in 1887, when Emile Bouchon left a winegrowing family in Arveyres near Bordeaux and travelled to Chile to work as a winemaking consultant. His grandson Julio Bouchon Sr., after studying oenology in Bordeaux, later turned toward the drylands of Maule and acquired the Mingre estate in 1977, drawn by its old vineyards, granitic soils, and historic cellar. Later generations of the Bouchon family helped refocus the winery on the heritage varieties and old vineyards of Maule, with País becoming particularly important to its identity. In 2024, Viña Undurraga acquired VFC Wines and the Bouchon brand, integrating it into Undurraga Wine Group while the Bouchon family retained its Mingre vineyards, winery, and hotel. José Álvarez subsequently took responsibility for Bouchon's winemaking, working with former head winemaker Christian Sepúlveda in an advisory capacity. Pais Viejo remains closely connected to the winery's modern revival of País, using old dry-farmed vines and low-intervention cellar practices to emphasize the variety's freshness, delicacy, and historic connection to Maule.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled to emphasize the wine's fresh red fruit, floral character, and lively acidity. Its light body and savory edge make it particularly versatile with grilled or roasted fish, tomato-based pasta, charcuterie, roast chicken, pork, mushrooms, empanadas, grilled vegetables, and lightly seasoned dishes. It can also be served on its own as a fresh red aperitif.