Francisco Baettig recently visited London to present the wines he produces under his own label, Vinos Baettig. Having previously tasted them both in Chile and with his US importer, Eric Solomon, this was a welcome opportunity to revisit these impressive offerings.
Baettig, who spent 20 years at Errazuriz and directed Eduardo Chadwick’s renowned wines, sought to carve his own path. In 2010, during dinner with Carlos de Carlos, Errazuriz’s commercial director, he expressed a desire for a partnership in crafting his own wines—a venture that came to fruition after they decided to establish their own vineyards.
In 2012, Baettig located a site in Traiguén, in southern Chile, far from Santiago. Here, the climate naturally suits grape growing, boasting 25% less sunlight than central Chile and ample rainfall—over 1000 mm annually, allowing for dry farming. The locale is scenic, filled with lakes and volcanoes, enhancing the appeal for high-quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
After carefully selecting a location characterized by ancient volcanic soils and less fertile red clay, they established 15.6 hectares of vineyards: 9 hectares for Pinot Noir and 6.6 hectares for Chardonnay, planting high-quality vine material sourced from clean French clones.
Baettig’s philosophy emphasizes sustainability, noting the watering challenges in central Chile. Although their farming isn’t completely organic, they consciously avoid herbicides, opting for selective block-by-block harvesting to maintain vineyard integrity. The unique terroir of Traiguén, including occasional frosts—which severely impacted their 2024 yield—shapes the character of their wines.
Their wine range is categorized into two levels: Vino de Viñedo, the village-level offerings, and Selección de Parcelas, highlighting more prestigious selections. Baettig notes a shift in winemaking styles in Chile, moving towards fresher, more balanced wines, particularly with Chardonnay that has seen significant quality evolution.
Production techniques involve minimal intervention, with Chardonnay often fermented in used French oak and careful management of sulfite levels to ensure purity and avoid unwanted metallic flavors. The Pinot Noir receives similar meticulous handling, with a touch of whole cluster inclusion for added structure.
The portfolio features a variety of wines:
- Vino de Viñedo Los Parientes Chardonnay 2021: Fresh with good acidity, offering lemon and pineapple notes, concluding with a vibrant finish. (93/100)
- Selección de Parcelas Los Primos Chardonnay 2022: Taut and fine, showcasing vivid citrus and pear, balanced with rich, honeyed notes. (94/100)
- Vino de Viñedo Los Parientes Pinot Noir 2022: Displays ripe fruit with a silky mouthfeel, combining exuberance with complexity. (94/100)
- Selección de Parcelas Los Padrinos Cabernet Sauvignon 2022: Concentrated, with bright blackcurrant fruit and subtle green notes, promising good ageing potential. (94/100)
Through careful planning and a commitment to quality, Francisco Baettig and Carlos de Carlos are poised to continue making a mark in the evolving Chilean wine landscape. For more information, you can visit Vinos Baettig.