Viviana Navarrete

I forged my path in winemaking in a very personal way, as I don’t have any family working in the wine industry. I always wanted to work in something related to biology so agronomy was a great option. I realised many things were taking place in the Chilean wine industry: new valleys were being discovered, wineries were investing more in the premium wine segment, and in vineyards and research, and I wanted to be part of this. I could see that winemaking was a career in which women could progress.

Viña Leyda’s philosophy has always been crafting wines that are pure, true to their origin, that show the cool-climate terroir, the fresh climate in their aromatic profile but also in a vibrant, fresh and crunchy palate. We are truly committed to our terroir.

I’ve always loved cold-climate regions and the cold-climate style of wines. I really enjoy working with whites and aromatic grape varieties and also with Pinot Noir. When I started to work in Leyda Valley, it was just beginning to develop, so it was a huge challenge to become part of the valley’s boom. The potential of this region is amazing. I fell in love with its topography, with its perfect rolling hills, with the cold temperatures, cold breezes coming from the ocean, feeling and smelling the sea salt in the fresh air, and its interesting granitic soils.

I love cool-climate grape varieties. These are the types of wines that I love to drink on every occasion. I think cool-climate regions deliver wines that are true to their origin; wines that are aromatic, and super expressive. I really love their elegance, intense aromas and those vibrant palates, with bright acidity and grip. Winemaking is very challenging, as these grapes are delicate, with a strong aromatic profile that you have to protect from oxidation, with delicate skins. These are wines you have to take care of in every single step, and I love that. And finally, this climate allows me to work with Pinot Noir, which is my obsession, and I think we are now achieving great quality. This grape is very challenging as it is very delicate in the vineyard, in the cellar and during ageing.

I’m also passionate about Sauvignon Blanc. I’m trying to craft Sauvignon Blanc with beautiful of aromatic expression; I’m also focused in making creamy and textured whites, with vibrant sensations but also structure, which is not easy to obtain in this grape. I’m also focusing on whites that can have a long ageing in bottle. You can achieve beautiful results with Sauvignon Blanc when it grows in a cool climate.

Viña Leyda is a pioneer in Leyda Valley and I think we will continue on our adventure. When you are working with nature, it’s a constant learning curve. We have extreme weather conditions in this region, so every vintage is different and you have to be ready to read the differences and adapt vinifications. There is always something new to learn, to discover and to study.