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Coyam at 20: How Emiliana's Flagship Blend Redefined Organic Chilean Wine

Writer's picture: AiSultanaAiSultana

For two decades, Emiliana Organic Vineyards has been cultivating more than just grapes in Chile's Colchagua Valley—it's been nurturing a vision of sustainable winemaking that's now bearing fruit. As the world's largest organic winery celebrates the 20th anniversary of its flagship wine, Coyam, it's not just raising a glass to the past but toasting to a sustainable future for Chilean winemaking.


When Emiliana first planted its organic roots, skeptics doubted the viability of large-scale organic wine production in Chile. Today, as the winery uncorks the 2021 vintage of Coyam in striking limited-edition bottles, it stands as a beacon of sustainable viticulture, adorned with an impressive bouquet of certifications: organic, biodynamic, Fair for Life, Carbon Neutral, and most recently, B Corp and Regenerative Organic.


"Twenty years ago, they called us idealistic dreamers," reflects Emiliana's CEO, Cristián Rodríguez. "Today, we're leading a movement that's redefining the very essence of winemaking."


The 20th anniversary release of Coyam is more than a celebration of longevity; it's a bold statement about the wine's identity and its deep connection to the Chilean landscape. The limited run of 60,000 bottles features labels adorned with stark black-and-white photographs of native oak trees—a choice that's far from arbitrary. 'Coyam' means 'oak' in Mapudungun, the language of Chile's indigenous Mapuche people. "These labels tell a story of terroir in the truest sense," explains Emiliana's head winemaker, Noelia Orts. "They capture the essence of our vineyards, where these majestic oaks stand sentinel over vines nurtured by organic and biodynamic practices."


The 2021 vintage is a symphony of flavors, conducted by dominant notes of Syrah, Carmenère, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with supporting roles played by Mourvèdre, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Garnacha, and Tempranillo. This diverse ensemble performs a complex melody of ripe berries and cherries, harmonized with hints of mint, black pepper, and subtle oak influences.


Coyam's significance transcends its flavor profile, embodying a holistic approach to winemaking that considers environmental impact, worker welfare, and cultural heritage. Emiliana's 1,000 hectares of vineyards are a living testament to sustainable agriculture, where cover crops, animal grazing, and natural pest control methods create a vibrant ecosystem. "We're not just making wine," Orts insists. "We're stewarding a landscape and preserving a way of life."


Emiliana's commitment to sustainability has garnered well-deserved recognition. In 2023, it became the first Chilean winery to receive Regenerative Organic Certification, a rigorous standard that goes beyond organic to ensure soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. The following year, Emiliana achieved B Corp Certification, a testament to its dedication to balancing profit with purpose.


As consumers increasingly seek wines that reflect their values, Coyam is poised to flourish. The 20th anniversary release isn't merely a celebration of past achievements; it's a glimpse into the future of winemaking—one where quality, sustainability, and cultural reverence coexist in perfect harmony. "When people uncork a bottle of Coyam," Rodríguez concludes, "they're not just savoring a wine. They're experiencing two decades of passion, innovation, and respect for the land. And they're participating in a vision for a more sustainable future."


As Emiliana toasts to Coyam's 20th year, it's clear that this pioneering blend has not only redefined organic Chilean wine but has also set a new standard for responsible winemaking in the 21st century. Here's to the next two decades of groundbreaking, sustainable viticulture.



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