Alvaro Espinoza Antiyal

Álvaro Espinoza is one of the finest winemakers in South America and also one of the foremost biodynamic winemakers in the world. His celebrated wine, Antiyal, is often referred to as Chile’s first “garage wine.” Antiyal produces fewer than 400 cases of wine a year in the sleepy Maipo Valley town of Alta Jahuel. Antiyal, a Mapuche word that means “sons of the sun”, is a homegrown project. It’s so homegrown that the one-acre vineyard around the Espinoza’s house supplies most of the wine’s biodynamic grapes. This wine is among the very best wines being produced in South America and is comprised of 49% Carmenère, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Syrah. It’s ged in French barrels for eighteen months, then aged in the bottle for another six months.

• Silver Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 (2013 vintage)
• 91 Points, James Suckling, “This shows clear and bright red fruits such as raspberries and blueberries with hints of vanilla. Full body, fine tannins and a bright finish. A blend of Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.” James Suckling Report, August 2014 (2012 vintage)
• The Drinks Business, ‘Chile’s top biodynamic consultant, Alvaro Espinoza, is also considered one of Chile’s finest garage winemakers for this very blend‘ November 2015
• 96 Points – Descorchados Chilean Wine Guide (2014 vintage)

Antiyal Alvaro Espinoza was founded in 1996 by Alvaro Espinoza and his wife Marina Ashton, although Alvaro has been tending to vineyards in Chile for over 25 years. He spent many years perfecting his craft at the internationally renowned Carmen winery before following his life-long dream to run his own estate in 1996. The duo bravely struck out on their own, purchasing just one hectare of land in the sleepy Maipo Valley town of Alta Jahuel where they planted Cabernet Sauvignon. After two years and much hard work, Alvaro knew his organic/biodynamic wines were ready to bottle and they released the first vintage of Antiyal, a Mapuche word that means “sons of the sun”, in 1998. Today their flagship wine Antiyal is arguably the benchmark for all Chilean reds and is critically acclaimed by critics and consumers alike around the world.