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Easter Island in the Pacific, famous for its monumental statues, has been given an official wine designation of origin (Denominación de Origen, DO). The wines produced on the remote volcanic island, which is around 3,500 kilometres from the Chilean coast, bear the Rapa Nui DO appellation. Rapa Nui is the indigenous name of the island and its inhabitants.
Missionaries cultivated at least six different grape varieties in several locations from 1866 onwards. They praised the quality of the vineyards and grapes and compared the conditions with those on Madeira. The climate is subtropical and dry with little rain, although the wind is saturated with moisture. Temperatures barely exceed 27 °C. After the almost complete eradication of the Rapa Nui people, some of the vines continued to grow wild. In 2018, winegrowers Alvaro Arriagada and Fernando Almeda revitalised viticulture. Together with local partners, they planted around two hectares and began to reproduce the old overgrown vines at vine nursery. They produced a red wine cuvée from Syrah, Carignan and Grenache as well as a sparkling wine.
In addition to the Rapa Nui DO, it was also decided to introduce the Chiloé DO in Patagonia. Both appellations are among the most important tourist destinations in Chile. According to the national wine association Vinos de Chile, the aim is also to support "pioneers in the wine industry" in expanding Chile's cultivation zones with regard to climate change.
(al / sources: wine-searcher, wineandspiritsmagazine)