Casa SilvaCasa Silva was founded in 1892 by Emile Bouchon who emigrated from Bordeaux and created waht is now the oldest cellar in Colchagua. Casa Silva today is still run by the family, in fact every part of the business is looked after by a family member. Casa Silva is recognised as being the producer of the best wine in Chile (allegedly) and leads in the new generation of innovative wine making, but importantly, still firmly based on tradtion and a family framework. hey have also created a certain lifestyle that fits with wine of this class. The old family home at Angostura has been converted into a seven bedroom boutique hotel with fabulous restaurant and polo pitch. Latest innovation from Casa Silva is the development of a new area, Paredones- Coastal Colchagua- the new Appellation of the Colchagua Valley- 3 years ago, Casa Silva took over 20 hectares of virgin land in Paredones, only 7 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean and planted Colchaguas first coastal vineyards. The proximity of the Ocean tempers the daytime temperature within the vineyards, varying from 8˚C- 25˚C , incredibly cool in comparison with the rest of the Valley. Mario Geisse, the Head Winemaker and is particularly excited about the Pardedones Sauvignon Blanc. 2008, the first vintage produced intense aromas and flavours and a totally unique style, 2009 vintage arriving August/ September, tiny volumes, but great excitement........a whole new level of intensity from Casa Silva through pioneering of Cold Climate wines from the Colchagua Valley LAS VIÑAS TOP TEN wineriesR Amid a rodeo arena, a polo course, the recently opened Equestrian Center, a restaurant and a boutique hotel, the vineyards of Casa Silva spread across the valley from the Andes to almost the Pacific shores. The Los Lingues, Angostura, Lolol and Paredones estates are the best spots for growing Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon and Viognier, among other varieties. Mario Silva Cifuentes, the president of the winery, his sons Mario Pablo and Gonzalo, technical director Mario Geisse and winemaker José Ignacio Maturana have formed a very demanding tasting panel. Wines are to be approved unanimously prior to release, a policy that allows the winery to produce great price values and achieve consistency in its lines Doña Dominga and Casa Silva, and to reach great heights with its premium blends Quinta Generación and its icon Altura. A silent and unprecedented work conducted in collaboration with Corporación de Fomento de la Producción and Universidad de Talca has led to the identification of micro-terroir units for its varieties, which differ by their climatic, soil, plant and management conditions. This is the first study in the Americas that vinifies three vintages divided into lots of up to 0.1 hectares. Thus was born Microterroir de Los Lingues Carmenère. A wine truthful to its origins, pleasant and extremely velvety that has favorably impressed critics since its first release in 2005. This 100% pure Carmenère is the singular and unpretentious expression of Chile’s true spirit. The exceptional ratings – 93 and 92 points - given by Robert Parker Review attest to the rise of Chilean Carmenère as a world class variety. With this blend of tradition and avant garde, Casa Silva has not only secured a spot at the top on our medal podium – first place in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 -, but also contributed its valuable experience to the Chilean wine industry. Highest awarded winery at the Catad'Or Hyatt Competition in Santiago in 2000,2001,2002,2004 and 2006 Trophy for the best Carmenere at the 1st Wines of Chile Awards in Santiago 2003 Trophy for the best Carmenere International Wine & Spirit Competition in London in 2004. Most highly awarded winery worldwide at Vinalies 2003 organised by The Association of French Enologists Best winery on the Continent in the South American Guide on Wineries, Cellars and Wines with three wines in the top fifty in 2003 and four in 2004 Altura 1999 Best Wine in 2002 by the Chile Fondation and La Cav's tasting panel. The second best was Quinta Generacion 2000. Twice recognised with 1st palce and Gold Medal as Chile's best Chardonnay in the French Chardonnay du Monde Compeition in 2002 and 2003 Most highly awarded Chilean winery in the 2003 Vitivinic Culture Magazine Best Wine of the Show at the Carmenere al Mundo competition in 2006, organised by the Association of Chilean Enologists Best Cabernet Sauvignon in Chile at the Decanter Worls Wine Awards and lots more eferring to Casa Silva without mentioning its strong ties with the Colchagua Valley, the deepest countryside traditions, its efforts to rescue the country’s cuisine and the practice of horse sports is just half the story. Add its uncompromising commitment to make wines of the highest quality and the result is a family winery that has become a benchmark of the Colchagua Valley and the Chilean wine industry. Best South American Producer, International Wine & Spirit Competition in London 2000 |