It was a gamble that could have gone either way. In 1999, in the heart of Chile’s lush Casablanca Valley, a daring idea began to take shape. Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery, a producer already known for its innovative approach, embarked on a mission to craft something extraordinary. The goal? To create Chile’s first icon Pinot Noir—a wine that could hold its own on the global stage, not just as a representative of Chile but as a tribute to the delicate, demanding grape.
Planting a Dream
The story of Ocio—meaning “leisure” in Spanish—starts decades earlier, with Chile’s first Pinot Noir vines, planted in 1968 at what is now the Santa Elisa Estate in Chimbarongo. Remarkably, these vines still thrive where Cono Sur stands today, and their fruit has been integral to the creation of Ocio. In 1999, recognizing the potential of Pinot Noir, Cono Sur launched the “Pinot Noir Project,” with the ambition to create the country’s first premium Pinot Noir.
Enter Martin Prieur, co-owner of Domaine Jacques Prieur, one of Burgundy’s most prestigious wineries, who started consulting on the project in 2021. His expertise in Burgundy’s traditional winemaking methods was invaluable, bringing an authenticity to Cono Sur’s ambitious project. Two years later, hejoined forces with Matías Ríos, Cono Sur’s Winemaking Director. He played a pivotal role in refining its Pinot Noir program, bringing precision and dedication to every stage of winemaking.
Together,Matías and Martin transformed Ocio into more than just a wine; it became a manifesto for Chilean Pinot Noir.
Crafting the Icon
Making Ocio is a masterclass in precision and patience. The journey begins in the cool-climate valleys of Casablanca, and starting from the 2021 vintage, grapes sourced from the San Antonio Valley are added in the blend.
With its strong ocean influence, the San Antonio Valley is a hidden gem among Chile’s terroirs. Stretching to the Pacific, this young appellation benefits from cool sea breezes, vibrant red clay soils, and abundant sunlight—conditions that craft a perfect haven for Pinot Noir. This region’s red clay soils, granite bedrock, and moderate Mediterranean climate—marked by cool summers and dry growing seasons—provide the perfect conditions for Pinot Noir to flourish. The slow ripening process allows the grapes to develop an extraordinary depth of flavor and complexity, setting them apart from other regions.
Each year, grapes are hand-harvested. An advanced optical sorting process ensures that only the healthiest, most pristine berries are used. The selected grapes undergo cold maceration for four days before being foot-crushed, a traditional method that preserves their delicate structure while allowing for nuanced control.
Fermentation is a carefully orchestrated process. In open stainless-steel tanks, the must is inoculated with selected yeasts, and daily manual punch-downs refine the developing flavors. Afterward, the wine is drained by gravity into French oak barrels—70% traditional barrels and 30% large wooden foudres—where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and ages for 14 months. This meticulous balance of tradition and innovation is what gives Ocio its signature texture and complexity.
The Master’s Touch
At the heart of Ocio’s creation is the collaboration between Matías Ríos and Martin Prieur.
Matías Ríos, who joined Cono Sur in 2003, has earned global recognition for his exceptional winemaking expertise, being named among the world’s Top 100 Winemakers by Drinks International in both 2020 and 2024. His relentless dedication has not only enhanced every bottle of Ocio but also solidified Cono Sur’s reputation as a major force in the global Pinot Noir arena.
Prieur, co-owner of Domaine Jacques Prieur, brought an unparalleled depth of expertise from the heartland of Pinot Noir. His mastery of Burgundy’s traditional winemaking techniques added authenticity and precision to Ocio’s production.
Every vintage is the result of their blind tastings, a ritual that combines scientific precision with artistic intuition. Together, they select the finest barrels, crafting a wine that is as much a reflection of the terroir as it is of their shared vision.
A Legacy in the Making
The recent 30-year anniversary edition celebrates the evolution of this iconic wine, blending the freshness of newer vintages with the depth of older ones to create a collector’s item that embodies the essence of Cono Sur’s journey.
Where to Buy the Wine?
The wine is sold in China through Fond Wine (丰德酒业), one of China’s Top 50 Wine Importers. Interested parties can contact 李雪(Bonnie) through her WeChat & Mobile: 18000581031.
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