In the heart of the Maule Valley, Viña Maitia’s vineyards thrive, benefitting from abundant winter rains that allow for dry farming and eschewing irrigation. The cool ocean breeze flowing up the Maule River tempers the summer highs, extending the growing season and infusing the wines with bright, fresh acidity. But what truly sets Viña Maitia apart is their passionate devotion to preserving Chile’s viticultural heritage. Operated by the dynamic husband and wife team of David Marcel, a French/Basque vigneron, and Loreta Garau, a Chilean enologist, Viña Maitia creates Vinos de Autoros, or “artisanal wines,” that capture the essence of their unique terroir. When they stumbled upon old vines of Pais, Carignane, and Malbec, some over 150 years old, David and Loreta saw an opportunity to create “wines of place” and honor Chile’s winemaking roots.

One of our summertime favorites from Viña Maitia is Aupa Pipeño, a tribute to a Chilean wine tradition worth cherishing. Pipeño is an age-old style of Chilean wine, originally produced in a simple manner and enjoyed by farmers. While it may have been overlooked by some, David and Loreta recognize its value and have brought it back to the forefront of Chile’s wine scene. All the vineyard work is done by hand, employing sustainable viticulture practices, and the grapes are fermented with natural yeast in cement vats. Half of the lots undergo carbonic maceration to enhance the fruit flavors, while the Carignan is whole-cluster fermented. Maturation takes place in neutral concrete vessels, preserving the wine’s authenticity. The resulting wine is a celebration of brightness and finesse bursting with vibrant flavors of pomegranate and juicy white cherry. By embracing the roots of Chile’s wine traditions and embracing an authentic approach, Viña Maitia creates wines that carry the legacy of the Maule Valley with every bottle.

Stop by Tipsy to pick up a bottle of Vina Maitia, Aupa Pipeño ($16)!

Tipsy is a woman-owned wine and spirits shop in New York City. We offer more than 200 varietals for every palate and budget, as well as artisanal gifts and glassware. In addition to our retail presence, we produce educational wine tastings for law firms, nonprofits, and companies of all sizes. Our team of women sommeliers is also available to lead wine tastings for private events, engagement parties and bridal showers. To book a tasting or order client gifts, email events@shoptipsy.com.