Nativa, Organic `Community Blend` 2012 Maule, Chile

PRODUCER Nativa began in 1995 as a part of Viña Carmen and four years later, in 1999, Nativa produced the first Chilean wine made with certified organic grapes. Today, Nativa has been re-launched and re-designed, still with the aim to make the best wines from sustainably managed vineyards as well as certified organic vineyards. Instead of organic certification, the Terra range adheres to the Sustainability Code by Wines of Chile. This code measures sustainable practices in the vineyard, winery and offices as well improving the social conditions of their employees through various community projects. Their summer school for local children, which teaches about biodiversity and plant life, is a great example, as is their support of local artisans by retailing their products in their wine shop. New to the range, the 'Community Blend', is the only wine that is certified organic, grown from old vines in Maule.

VINEYARDS The organically grown grapes (Camernere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot) for the Community Blend come from Maule, located 270 km south of Santiago. Maule is dry offering ideal conditions for organic viticulture. It is also home to old dry farmed bush vines giving intensity and concentration to the wines from this region.

VINTAGE 2012 was marked by higher than average temperatures through the entire summer and growing season. This resulted in an overall acceleration of the ripening process, with high natural sugars and low acid levels emerging. An absence of rainfall during the season saw the development of excellent phenolic ripeness, especially in red grapes.

VINIFICATION Grape Varieties 40% Cabernet Sauvignon All varieties were hand harvested and fermented separately with 20% Carmenère indigenous yeasts. After fermentation the grapes were basket 15% Durif pressed and then transferred into oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and maturation. The wines spent 12 months in French 15% Carignano/Carignan oak barrels before blending and bottling. 10% Petit Verdot Winemaker Sebastian Labbe TASTING NOTES Closure Natural Cork This blend has an intense and deep purple colour. The nose is ABV 14% dominated by pure ripe fruits such as blueberries, blackcurrants, dark cherries and gentle graphite notes. The wine is elegant and Bottle Sizes 75cl complex with the oak beautifully integrated to the fruit core. Notes Sustainable, Vegetarian