(LOS ANGELES, CA) 2016 – Guarachi Wine Partners introduces Aila, a new wine from Chile’s Leyda Valley, an area close to the Pacific Ocean that is growing in fame as an excellent cool coastal viticultural region. The brand consists of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, set to roll out in select markets through June 2016.
The creation of Aila is a way for winemaker Andres Sanhueza to pay homage to the special heritage and history of Leyda Valley. As the vines were planted, keepsakes from the indigenous Mapuche tribe were discovered on the grounds. The name Aila translates to “nine” in the Mapuche dialect – an important number to the local tribe, who once marked their home with a circle of nine statues to serve as a meeting place to communicate with their gods. In an effort to respect the Mapuche legacy, the Aila vineyard was thus planted nine miles from the coast and divided into nine blocks of nine rows each.
The resulting wines express excellent acidity and distinctive minerality from Leyda’s cool maritime conditions and rolling hillsides fully exposed to saline breezes and sandy soils. Fresh herbs and citrus notes shine through in the Aila Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $15), while red fruit and vanilla notes give the Aila Pinot Noir (SRP $17) good structure. With limited production, Aila was crafted with the same balance and harmony that the Mapuche people valued so dearly.
“Aila symbolizes the beauty, wonder and history of Leyda Valley,” said Sanhueza. “We strive to reflect our love and appreciation of Chile’s history through our wines.”
ABOUT AILA
Aila is from cool coastal vineyards in Chile’s famous Leyda Valley, and is named after the indigenous local Mapuche people who originate from the area. The brand, introduced in May 2016, features Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc – two varietals that excel in cool coastal conditions.
ABOUT GUARACHI WINE PARTNERS
Guarachi Wine Partners is a leading global importer, marketer and innovator of fine wines. Founded by Chilean wine visionary Alex Guarachi in 1985, Guarachi Wine Partners celebrates 31 years of enduring connections with supplier, distributor and retail partners. Guarachi Wine Partners pioneered Chilean and Argentine wines in the U.S. and today, their portfolio consists of Aila, Black Ink, Bodega Norton, Brun Estate, Castillo de Monseran, Che Gaucho, Guarachi Family Wines, Kaiken, King Malbec, La Domitienne, Lea, Montes, Nobilissima, Riccitelli, Santa Ema, Surf Swim, tenshən and Tensley Wines.
