History
Viña La Ronciere is the only producer in this sub-region of the Curicó Valley.
The Orueta family had been making wine in the Valle Central since 1949. However, motivated by rising temperatures, the 3 Orueta brothers decided to move their operation to the cooler region of Licantén, a coastal sub-region of Curicó Valley.
Located 25 km from the Pacific Ocean and now a recognised DO, the region had previously had no association with winemaking, but the family have truly proven the power of this unique region to produce cool-climate reds that are both age-worthy and refined.
Their estate in Licantén is 110 ha over a third of the land left wild to avoid contributing to the problems od monoculture.
The vineyards sit across a wide range of soils, including gravels and patches of Llicorella (the same glittering red soil found in Priorat). The heat-retaining character of the soil combined with cool Pacific breezes contributes to the beautifully balanced character of these wines, defined by ripe fruit and tanins, savoury aromas and acidity.
VINEYARD
Previously a region known only for growing beans and legumes, Lincantén is a paradise for vine-growing too, evident in its DO status, granted in 2018. Experiencing intense sunshine, the area is moderated by the nearby Mataquito River and see breezes in the afternoon. Within this, the mosaic of metaphoric soils provides a rich variety of terroirs from vine to vine, adding the complexity of the final wine.
Work in the vineyard is precise and sensitive to the land, with a third of the estate's land given over to wild forest, and biodiversity encouraged at every step. Work in the vineyard is precise, with everything from drip irrigation tailored to the individual plot of vines to meticulous hand harvesting to ensure the best crop. In the winery, after careful sorting and fermentation (mostly) old oak is used during elevage to keep the wines expressive and fresh while encouraging extra compexity.
