Winemaker Notes
With vineyards across the range of Chile, and explorations into Argentina, 1865 focuses on bringing the best expression to every variety. To create wines with finely balanced fruit and oak, French oak barrels are used, concrete eggs, and French oak foudres, depending on the variety.
Each bottle of 1865 captures over 150 years of winemaking experience, demonstrating the evolution and potential of Chilean viticulture. In the year 1997, 1865 became the second addition to San Pedro’s premium line, its name honoring to the founding year of the winery.
An officially recognized sub-zone in the southern part of the San Antonio Valley, the Leyda Valley was the original settlement of the wine pioneers who came to the area in the 1990s. They were in search of cooler and wetter growing conditions—as compared to more eastern, drier and often warmer locations.
Planting, which began only in the late 1990s, focused on Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot noir and some limited spots for Syrah. The area continues to receive well-earned accolades for wines of these varieties.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
