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Marcelo Retamal steps aside from Chile’s Viñedos de Alcohuaz

In a surprising start to the year, renowned winemaker Marcelo Retamal — affectionately known as ‘Reta’ — has announced he will step aside from his winemaking duties at Viñedos de Alcohuaz, one of Chile’s most pioneering and innovative wine ventures. 

His departure marks the end of an 18-year chapter during which Reta (pictured) shaped the winery into a global icon for high-altitude winemaking and minimal intervention.

Reta, who still retains a minority stake in the company, was instrumental in constructing the winery at Alcohuaz and planting Chile’s highest-altitude commercial vineyard at over 2,200 m.a.s.l.. His wines have earned widespread praise and numerous accolades over the years.

Known for its distinctive Mediterranean varieties and blends, including Syrah, Garnacha, Carignan and Malbec, Viñedos de Alcohuaz is among one of the most unique wine projects in contemporary Chile. The winery’s process of foot-crushing grapes in traditional stone lagars and maturing wines in large wooden foudres and cement tanks has set it apart in the industry.

“I dedicated 18 years to the project, but really I dedicated my soul and all my knowledge from 28 years travelling around the world to make Alcohuaz the very best project that I was capable of,” Retamal reflects. 

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Leadership changes

Retamal’s departure marks a significant transition for Viñedos de Alcohuaz. Over the past year, the winery has been in a period of leadership change, with Simón Prudencio Flaño, grandson of Viñedos de Alcohuaz founder, the late Álvaro Flaño, taking the reigns. Meanwhile, Rosario Fillol, who has been serving as assistant winemaker, will step into the role of head winemaker. 

Retamal’s departure from Alcohuaz will allow him to devote more time to his personal ventures. “I will now be fully concentrating on RETA and my own wines,” says the winemaker, who launched his eponymous label in 2019. Through RETA, Retamal produces boutique wines in Chile’s Limari and Maule regions, as well as in Spain’s Jerez, Sierra de Salamanca, and Rioja. “The wines of RETA are conceived not for me, nor my children, but for future generations. It is the end of a cycle, but a new one is beginning,” he adds.

In addition to expanding RETA, Retamal will continue his consulting work for other wineries in Chile and internationally, including his role as consultant winemaker at Viña Sutil and Sierras de Bellavista in Chile. 

Amanda Barnes is the drinks business´ regular South America correspondent and author of The South America Wine Guide.

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