2023 La Patagua (Semillon and Moscatel), Vino Inacayal - Colchagua Valley

The 2023 La Patagua is a vibrant, characterful white blend from Chile’s Colchagua Valley, crafted by Vinos Inacayal—a collaboration between winemaker Luca Hodgkinson and UK-based importer Les Caves de Pyrène. The wine is made from roughly 90% Semillón grown in Colchagua and 10% Moscatel sourced from Guarilihue in the coastal Itata Valley. Both regions are known for their old, dry-farmed vines on their own rootstocks, with organically inclined viticulture and minimal intervention. The grapes are hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed, and fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, with no fining or filtration, and very low sulphur—allowing the purity of fruit and place to shine through.

In the glass, the 2023 vintage bursts with tropical fruit—pineapple, lychee and citrus peel—lifted by fragrant floral notes from the Moscatel. It’s dry, zesty and textural, with a touch of minerality and well-balanced acidity. The wine clocks in at around 13.5% alcohol but drinks fresh and easy.

For food, this white is wonderfully versatile. It’s a natural pairing for seafood—think prawn tacos, ceviche or grilled squid—as well as herby roast chicken, aromatic Asian dishes, or simply a sunny afternoon and a few small plates. Serve chilled, around 8–10°C, and let the wine do the talking. Fun, unfussy and packed with flavour, La Patagua is a refreshing taste of southern Chile’s winemaking soul.