(SEPTEMBER 2017) Importer Vino del Sol and Tapiz wineries are pleased to announce the launch of coastal Patagonian winery Wapisa in the U.S., debuting September 2017 with Wapisa Sauvignon Blanc.
Located just 25 miles from the Atlantic Ocean on the banks of the Río Negro, Wapisa is the only winery that exists in this Argentine Patagonian terroir, which bears strong similarities to Bordeaux in France. Comparable characteristics include proximity to the ocean, river influences, and silty, loam clay soils. The region has low rainfall and the soils have poor organic material. The thermal amplitude and salty breeze from the ocean help temper growing conditions and create long hang time. These environmental factors lead to balanced wines with a delicate varietal expression. The Wapisa estate currently has 120 hectares under vine.
Wapisa is the third in the Tapiz family of wineries, owned and founded by Patricia Ortiz. Famed former winemaker of Petrus, Jean Claude Berrouet, has overseen the Wapisa project and is the winemaker behind the debuting Wapisa Sauvignon Blanc. The winery will release additional varietals including Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon in 2018.
Wapisa Sauvignon Blanc expresses the complexity of this Atlantic Patagonian terroir with zesty citrus and delicate white flowers on the nose, accompanied by hints of fresh ginger. On the palate, flavors of grapefruit and lime come together with tropical guava to end with a refreshing finish. A strong note of salinity is pervasive throughout. Wapisa Sauvignon Blanc is available September 2017 to distributors nationwide. SRP $14.99.
“Wapisa” means “whale” in the indigenous dialect of the Yamanas who used to inhabit the nearby archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. The name is a nod to the whales that are often seen swimming in the ocean next to the winery and reflects how wineries in the Tapiz family strive to stay authentic to the terroirs and regions where they are located.
“We are thrilled to introduce the U.S. to the wines of Patagonia through Wapisa. With this winery, we are driving our mission of exploring new terroirs in Argentina and crafting wines that represent their authentic expressions,” says Patricia Ortiz.
ABOUT TAPIZ AND ZOLO
Patricia Ortiz founded Tapiz and Zolo 14 years ago after being in the medical field. Tapiz is located in Valle de Uco, Mendoza and Zolo is in Luján de Cuyo. Tapiz and Zolo wines are made entirely from sustainable estate vineyards. Residing close to the Andes at various altitudes, each of these vineyard terroirs benefits from intense diurnal temperature variations and alpine winds that allow for slow ripening and acid retention. These wineries are some of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina and have gained fast U.S. distribution and quality recognition in the U.S. Patricia Ortiz attributes this growth to the incredible quality for value offered by each of her wines, and the consistency that they are able to maintain in each vintage.
ABOUT VINO DEL SOL
Vino Del Sol launched its national wine import company around the magnificent Mendoza Zolo winery in 2004, and quickly thereafter established itself as “The Argentine Wine Specialist®” by becoming the first U.S. importer to develop a portfolio representing the best winery in each of Argentina’s distinctive terroirs. Vino Del Sol also markets exceptional wines and sakes from California, Chile, Japan, and New Zealand in all 50 states. Vino Del Sol works hand-in-hand with customers and wineries to develop client-exclusive brands that over-deliver on value for the consumer. Vino Del Sol’s wineries are all estate-grown, sustainably farmed, and family-owned.
