Dos Hemeferios Vineyards got its start in 1999, but its first planting of grapes for wine production didn't occur until 2002. This Ecuadorian producer is not located in Ecuador's mountainous regions as you might expect but rather in the low rolling lands of the Santa Elena Pennisula. A mere 2 degrees south of the equator insures a warm, humid climate but the expected heat is moderated by near constant breezes. Situated near San Miguel del Morro, about 34 miles southwest of Guayquil, the vineyards are nearly equidistant from the broad Gulf of Guayquil and the Pacific Ocean. The water influence allows for wine grape production that in fact yields two harvests per year. It wasn't until 2006 that this vineyard produced its first (and still its flagship) wine, Paradoja, a 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec blend that's aged for 18 months prior to bottling then an additional six months in the bottle. Bruma, A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah followed in 2007. the vinieyard followed with a white mwine named Enigma, from 100% Chardonnay and by 2009 all three wines were being distributed in Ecuador.
The Bruma is the only one of the three that has been sampled by The Wine Guy, but based on that experience, I'm looking forward to experiencing the other two offerings from this truly unique vineyard. The fetching Mrs. Wine Guy also thoroughly enjoyed her first sampling and has requested we do it again! With her endorsement, it looks as though an Ecuadorian wine will be regularly found in The Wine Guy's inventory.
That is good to know! I didn't see any wines by this producer while in Salinas but then again I didn't know what to look for - next visit I will give them a try.
ReplyDeleteI had some white from a box called Clos, and I am embarrassed to admit it wasn't bad at all. Simplistic, but way better than some of the stuff restaurants here sell as their house wines.
Let us know what you think about the other wines from this vineyard. Thanks!
Tami