THE WINE
This vibrant white blend is composed of 90% Semillon—co-planted with pockets of undeclared Sauvignon Vert in the same Colchagua vineyard—and 10% Moscatel from Guarilihue in Itata. Each grape brings its own character: Semillon adds round fruit, Sauvignon Vert contributes freshness and acidity, and Moscatel lifts the wine with floral, fruity notes and a touch of minerality. Named “La Patagua” after an indigenous Chilean tree native to Colchagua, the label features its delicate flower, also known as the “Lily of the Valley.” The Moscatel, grown in a cooler climate, is harvested a month earlier than the Semillon and Sauvignon Vert. Grapes are whole-bunch pressed, cold settled for two days, then racked and fermented with indigenous yeast in stainless steel. A short élevage in tank follows before bottling, without filtration, resulting in a wine that may appear slightly hazy.
 
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
Colchagua and Guarilihue in Itata are two distinct Chilean wine regions, each with its own unique character. Colchagua, located in the larger Rapel Valley, is known for its warm climate and bold red wines, though it also produces expressive whites in cooler subzones. In contrast, Guarilihue, a coastal area within the historic Itata Valley, features granitic soils and a cooler, more humid climate ideal for old-vine varieties like Moscatel and País. Together, these regions highlight the diversity of Chilean terroir—from the structured richness of Colchagua to the fresh, mineral-driven elegance of Guarilihue.