THE WINE
This unique red blend from Maule combines 70% País, 18.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11.5% Carignan—an unconventional mix that delivers a fresh, easy-drinking wine with gentle fruit from País, structure from Cabernet, and vibrant colour and acidity from Carignan. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in ‘La Cueva del León’ (The Lion’s Cave), a site steeped in local legend. País, the first grape introduced to Chile and still found in many old vineyards, is often undervalued despite its potential. Carignan, introduced around the same time as Cabernet, gained popularity after the 1939 Maule earthquake for its ability to bolster País with colour and body. The winemaking process includes destemming, natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and aging in a 20-year-old, 10,500-litre French oak tank, with minimal sulphur use—well below typical levels for wines in this price range. The result is a savoury, expressive red that celebrates tradition and terroir.
 
THE PEOPLE
La Cueva is a collaborative project between importer, Les Caves de Pyrene and Luca Hodgkinson (of Metic), aimed at producing wines of outstanding value made as naturally as possible, with a true sense of place. Luca, a French-English-Spanish expat, consults for numerous Chilean wineries and runs his own venture sourcing grapes from sustainable, often organic vineyards. The name ‘Inacayal’ comes from the Quechua language, loosely translating to “old thing”—a fitting tribute to the authentically Chilean grapes and old vines that form the foundation of this project.
 
THE PLACE
The wines of Maule, one of Chile’s oldest and most traditional wine regions, are known for their authenticity, character, and deep-rooted heritage. Home to some of the country’s oldest vines—especially País and Carignan—Maule produces wines that are often dry-farmed and crafted with minimal intervention. The region’s diverse climate and soils allow for expressive reds with freshness and structure, and a growing number of producers are embracing sustainable and natural practices, making Maule a key area for Chile’s wine renaissance.