With its long chain of mountains at a seemingly endless range of latitudes, it is inevitable that somewhere among them it is possible to make truly great wines in Chile. We think we have found them.

Not us, so much, as partners Julio Bouchon and David Nieuwoudt. Aside from the “Julio”, it must be said that these names do not sound very Chilean. The actual origins of their names may speak to why the wines of their brainchild, Langavi, are so good.

Julio Bouchon has a French name because his ancestor was one of the many French pioneers who came to Chile in the 19th century to exploit the country’s great wine potential. This is a family with roots as deep as many great wine-making families of the Old World.

And Nieuwoudt is from South Africa. There, he made some of that country’s greatest wines. Now he can do the same for Chile.

The duo work in Maule, the coldest wine region of Chile because it is the most southerly (confusing, right?). The area benefits from the incredible mix of rocks and minerals transported by rivers flowing down from the Andes. They have some very old vines here, including Carignan planted in 1960, and, perhaps most incredibly, a Chenin Blanc vineyard planted in 1940!

The wines range from gulpable – or glupable (see below) – to what they call "Crus" – serious wines, worthy of your serious attention. We have three of them for you today:

Longavi Maule Valley Glup Carignan 2021 - $19.99
High acid and bright blackberry with notes of balsamic and a touch of smoky, fatty meat.

Longavi Carignan Soberano 2020 - $35.99
From Carignan vines planted in 1960, the Soberano Carignan has an intense, deep purple color, the nose presents graphite, berries, and flowers, while on the palate it opens up with more present earth, black and red fruit, and a long finish.

Longavi Maule Valley Chenin Blanc Cementerio 2021 - $35.99
A nose that gives a glimpse of floral and citrus notes, while the palate has a granular texture with acidity that leads to a long, persistent finish. Green apple and a slight baking spice element blend together perfectly while the acidity keeps it fresh and lively throughout.