I recently had the opportunity to taste Bolivian wines for the first time, guided by Nayan Gowda, the winemaker at Jardín Oculto, who has been crafting these wines since 2000. Along with some Bolivian friends, I sampled an impressive array of wines from this unique region. Jardín Oculto sources grapes from ancient vines that grow on trees, embodying the heroic viticulture characterizing the Cinti Valley—one of the highest vineyard areas globally. This area has a rich winemaking history, with vineyards established to serve the affluent miners in Potosí 500 years ago.
Jardín Oculto Wines:
-
Finca Lumen Blanc de Noir Vischoqueña 2023: A unique variety, Vischoqueña is a cross between Muscat and a local Criolla. This wine has a fresh, supple character with juicy notes. It is fresh but not overly acidic, earning a score of 89/100.
-
Finca San Roque Blend of Criollas Rosé 2024: With its pale pink hue, this wine showcases fresh, grapey flavors alongside nice weight. It’s lively yet has a rich undertone, rated at 91/100.
-
Finca San Roque Negra Criolla 2023: Displaying a pale orange/red color, the wine boasts a spicy cherry and plum fruit profile with a gripping texture, rated 86/100.
-
Finca Los Membrillos Negra Criolla 2023: This pale red wine presents supple red cherries and strawberries, coupled with great intensity and texture—an impressive 93/100.
-
Finca Molle Pampa Negra Criolla 2023: Also pale red, this wine exhibits depth and texture, enriched by fine spices and a hint of orange peel, rated 94/100.
-
Alma Oculto Vischoqueña 2024: Textured and elegant, this wine has a grapey essence coupled with depth and spiciness, scoring 93/100.
-
Lado B Tannat Nouveau 2024: Light at 11.5% alcohol, it remains juicy and fresh with bold berry flavors, earning 91/100.
Yokich Winery:
Patricia Mendoza presented the wines from Yokich Winery, with a nod to her father’s efforts in preserving Criolla genetic diversity.
-
Cepas Viejas Orange Muscat 2023: Rounded and pure, with good density, it has a subtle bitterness on the finish, garnering a score of 92/100.
-
Imporeña Cepas Centeneiras 2023: Juicy and textured with a grapey character, this wine has impressive depth and concentration, rated 91/100.
-
Cepas Misionera 2023: Featuring selected clones from 100-350-year-old vines, this wine is juicy and textured with sweet cherry essences and a hint of Campari for a score of 91/100.
-
Misionera 2021: This blend includes 5% Shiraz, resulting in a bold and sweet profile with spice, receiving an 88/100.
-
Barbera 2024: Introduced to Bolivia in 1968, this wine is juicy and bright with a sour cherry edge, rated at 91/100.
-
Botrytis Moscatel 2015: Rich and complex, with raisiny notes and a soft texture, this wine is a standout with a score of 92/100.
The exploration of these Bolivian wines offers a glimpse into a lesser-known but passionate winemaking culture, showcasing both historic cultivation methods and innovative wine profiles. More about Yokich Winery can be found on their website.