Santa Rita winery is responsible for the phenomenal success of Santa Rita Gran Hacienda Carmenere. This winery was active in Chile long before the heyday of Chilean viticulture. It began in 1880 with the successful Chilean businessman Don Domingo Fernández Concha. He had long recognized Chile's potential as a wine country. In response, he assembled a respected team of French winemakers and introduced French varietals to the vineyards in Maipo, Central Chile. Thanks to his efforts a century and a half ago, we can enjoy delicious Chilean wines today.
Carmenere has truly emerged as a national hero. Originally from Bordeaux, it failed to impress there. In Chilean vineyards, it suddenly thrived, imparting a unique character to every wine. It's no wonder that Santa Rita has also given this beloved grape a prominent place in its vineyards. By planting the Carmenere grapes slightly further east, it receives ample sun while being protected from the coastal wind. This allows the Carmenere grapes to flourish at Santa Rita.
