CuCao Winery was started by the producer Geo Wines, which was formed in the early 2000 with the intention of providing technical and commercial assistance to a select number of quality wineries that had the potential of becoming the most highly regarded in Chile. It started to develop its own range of wines under the brands Palin, Chono, and Rayun. The key to their success is developing a very close working relationship with producers and distributors. Also, quality and sustainable viticulture are key to the business. The range of organic wines from Palin reflects passion and commitment to winery has to the envornment. The winery only uses organically grown grapes and biodynamic methods of growing.

Passion Vines had the unique opportunity in January 2009 to visit CuCao with our friends from GEO Wines and saw the process first hand. The care and techniques used to bring these wines to life was amazing to watch and we are very excited to now have them on our shelves.

Producer GEO Wines
Importer Montecastelli Selections
Bottle Production 33,000 cases

Technical notes

Alcohol 14% Fermentation Grapes are destemmed and crushed. 7 day pre-fermentation at 5 C for increased concentration and fruit flavors in the must. Then the juice continues through alcoholic fermentation, followed by an extended period of skin contact. 50% of the wine is aged for 8 months in French and American Oak barrels and the other 50% in stainless steel. The wine is blended together after aging and gently filtered, bottled and allowed to rest for several months before serving. Vineyard Characteristics Loamy, clay soil

Food pairing

Red meats, flavorful and hearty pasta, lamb, strong flavored cheese and dark chocolate.