Matetic Vineyards Coming to US Via Quintessential

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Aug 09, 2010, 06:31 ET

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- One of Chile's most "talked about" wineries becomes the second Chilean brand to be imported, marketed and sold exclusively through Quintessential. The Napa-based company will bring in Matetic's EQ and Corralillo organic wines to major markets in the United States beginning in August, 2010.

The Matetic family came from Croatia to Chile in 1892. They were farmers who eventually settled in the country's soil-rich San Antonio Valley where they started a tree and agricultural farm called "Rosario" (from which came high-quality timber, organic blueberries and a prized Chilean sheep's milk cheese).

It was at Rosario in 1999 that the family planted vines, primarily Syrah. From this came Chile's first cool-climate Syrah wines. It was the subsequent success of this wine that opened the region to Syrah – now considered the "signature red grape" of the San Antonio Valley.

Today, the Matetic family has 120 hectares planted to nine grape varieties. All the vineyards are based on organic production principals. After a rigorous three-year effort, the 2004 harvest was certified organic by the German organization BCS. Matetic has since started the process to produce biodynamic grapes under the advice of famed American organic and biodynamic winemaking pioneer Alan York from Sonoma's Benzinger Vineyards. They expect to secure biodynamic certificate for the 2010 harvest.

The EQ line (EQ means "equilibrium"- symbolizing the winery's commitment to finding perfect harmony between the vineyards, climate and winemaking) features a 100-percent Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The simple, yet elegant, EQ label highlights the Mapuche Indian symbol for "balance."

The first Corralillo wines that Quintessential is bringing to the US is a 100-percent Chardonnay and Syrah, and a Winemaker's Blend. The label on Corralillo ("corral") has a stylized drawing of a horse.

According to Dennis Kreps, National Sales Director and co-owner (with his father, Stephen) of Quintessential, "We're very pleased to be representing this fine, family-owned Chilean winery. Together with our Koyle and Terrapura wines, owned by members of the legendary Undurraga wine family, I believe we are representing some of the most dynamic Chilean wines being made today."

The EQ line will retail between $19.99 to $42.99, while the Corralillo wines will be priced from $19.99 and $29.99.

SOURCE Quintessential