“Albamar refers to the synergy between sun and sea”: Catching up with Nelly Gutierrez, Albamar Export Manager

Chile’s cool Casablanca Valley has seen dramatic investment since its first vineyards were planted in the 1980s. The Valley’s proximity to the Pacific has made it one of the most exciting regions for Chilean wine.

One of those investors was an American, William Cole, who founded his eponymous winery at which the Albamar label was later created. Albamar is now synonymous with some of the best Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Casablanca Valley, if not all of Chile.

Given William Cole and Albamar’s history in the region, it seemed fitting to catch up with Nelly Gutierrez, Albamar’s Export Manager, and get her take on how the brand has developed and what the future holds.

GVI: What inspired your label design?

NG: “Albamar” refers to the synergy between sun and sea. “Alba” is the first rays of morning sun, and “mar” refers to Chile’s long coastline. We are located very near the ocean, and this coastal influence touches all of our vineyards. The intensely cold waters of the Pacific Ocean create cool nights and foggy mornings. Clear, cloudless days are typical during the growing season, and afternoon breezes reliably bring dry, clean air into our vineyards which helps keep them free of damaging spores.

GVI: What inspired the architectural design of your wineries/cellars?

NG: Our winery, built in 1999, is architecturally reminiscent of old Chilean missions of the southwest American Indian pueblo, pleasingly blended into an attractive but functional structure.

GVI: Is there anything unique you do in the vineyard or cellar that might not be considered mainstream? How does this technique influence the style of your wines?

NG: We are well known for microvinification, a technique which keeps our winemaker very happy. This state-of-the-art technology consists of maintaining temperature-controlled tanks ranging from 1,000 to 30,000 liters in size. These tanks allow us to ferment vineyard parcels separately.

Just like our own children, we want to see our grapes reach their greatest potential. With microvinification, we can literally taste our different vineyard terroirs.

GVI: With so many wines to choose from in the American marketplace, why should American wine drinkers be excited about Chilean wine?

NG: American wine drinkers should choose Chilean wine because we have exceptional climate for great red and white wines, and the Quality-Price Ratio is wonderful. Casablanca is not only Chile’s quintessential cool-climate wine region, it’s also one of the 10 Great Wine Capitals of the World.

GVI: What does your winemaker, Rodrigo Sala, enjoy doing when he’s not in the cellar?

NG: Winemaking keeps Rodrigo very busy, but in his free time, he likes to play tennis, garden and work on his house.