Alvaro Espinoza and his wife, Marina, recently returned from Costa Rica when I had the pleasure of visiting their stunning Antiyal farm, El Escorial, in the Alto Maipo region of Chile, just an hour’s drive from Santiago. Alvaro is a pivotal figure in the establishment of organic and biodynamic farming practices in Chile, with Antiyal being his very own venture.
His journey in winemaking began in the 1990s at Santa Rita, particularly with their Carmen winery, during a time when organic farming was not taken seriously. Initially interested in sustainability, he found the topic largely absent from academic discussions. A chance encounter with journalist Andrew Jefford, who lent him a book on biodynamics, sparked a deep interest for Alvaro—a connection that would continue for years, culminating in a visit 16 years later, where he returned the book.
At Carmen, Alvaro encountered resistance when attempting to introduce organic methods, leading to his decision to start Antiyal in 1996. After purchasing a hectare of vines and an old house, he transformed it into what became Chile’s first garage winery, initially producing 3,000 bottles, all sold to Adnams in the UK. Recognized as the first organic wine producer in Chile, he laid a foundation for a burgeoning organic wine movement.
In 1998, thanks to a sabbatical year funded by Brown Forman, Alvaro honed his craft in California at Fetzer, where he befriended winemaker Paul Dolan and biodynamic consultant Alan York. These experiences were crucial in shaping his approach as he sought to establish El Escorial.
The property, originally an almond orchard, became the site where Alvaro and Marina planted 7 hectares of vines in 2003, leveraging its rocky volcanic soils at an altitude of 500 meters. Their commitment to biodynamic principles led to the inclusion of natural habitats, maintaining almond trees as conservation areas. The vineyard became the second certified biodynamic farm in Chile by Demeter.
Over the years, the farm expanded to include an additional 13 hectares with diverse ecosystem practices, encouraging biodiversity. Their soil health significantly improved with the introduction of composting, which combined organic materials from their farm and neighboring farms’ manure.
With a planting density of 6,000 vines per hectare, Antiyal produces varietals including Syrah, Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Their winemaking process focuses on wild fermentation, with minimal additions and careful extraction methods. The family business now sees contributions from their sons, Vicente and Clemente, handling production and sales.
Currently, Antiyal sells 60% of its wines domestically, tightening its focus on local markets as conditions evolve. Their meticulously crafted wines showcase Alvaro’s dedication to biodynamic principles and quality winemaking, reflecting both the land and its potential.
The vineyard continues to thrive as a testament to Alvaro Espinoza’s visionary commitment to biodynamic agriculture and excellence in winemaking, marking a significant chapter in Chilean viticulture.
For more information, visit Antiyal.