Cabernet Corp has earned a remarkable double win at the USA Wine Ratings 2024 where Axel Carmene 2022 was crowned the Best Chilean Wine, while Don Rodolfo Brut took home the Best in Show for Argentina, highlighting the winery’s commitment to crafting exceptional wines that celebrate the diverse terroirs of South America. This achievement reflects Cabernet Corp's dedication to quality, sustainability, and an adventurous spirit, as they continue to explore new horizons in winemaking.

Today, we delve into the journey of Cabernet Corp, tracing its roots, innovative practices, and the passion that drives its exploration of the world's finest wine regions.

Congratulations on your double win at the USA Wine Ratings! How does it feel to have Axel Carmene 2022 named Best Chilean Wine and Don Rodolfo Brut taking Best in Show for Argentina?

We are honored to have received this award. This recognition is a testament to our team's dedication to crafting wines that excel in every aspect, from their taste to their presentation. The USA Wine Ratings’ emphasis on value and packaging aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering top-tier wines that offer both quality and affordability.

2024 USA Wine Ratings Winners: Don Rodolfo Brut, 92 Points - Best in the show by Country; Axel Carménère, 91 Points - Best in the show by Country.

Could you share the story of Cabernet Corp's origins and its journey so far? How do you envision the company's growth over the next five years?

In 1952, our father Søren Axelsen left his native Copenhagen to travel the world spending several years in Chile among other happy landings. Eventually, he settled in Monterey County, California, along with our mother Ingrid (former Miss Denmark), and planted the family’s first Cabernet Sauvignon vines (the inspiration for our company’s name – Cabernet Corp). However, he never forgot about Chile and its remarkable growing regions. So, in 1987, he returned to Chile where we eventually founded Viña La Playa, a Certified Sustainable winery that encompasses prime acreage in the Colchagua, Colchagua Costa, Limarí, and Cauquenes Valleys.

Maybe we inherited our dad’s explorer gene since, just a few short years later, in an effort to find like-minded, family-owned, sustainably driven wineries, we discovered Mikel Belasco’s Belasco de Baquedano located in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, and most recently the Clark family’s Clark Estate from the Upper Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand. What’s next? Who knows? What we do know is we’ll keep exploring. -Peter and Eric Axelsen

Winemaking is often described as a blend of science and art. Which aspect do you find yourself leaning towards more, and how does that shape your approach to crafting wines?

Axel– La Playa Wines are "Certified Sustainable" in Chile, a certification that reflects their commitment to eco-friendly practices from vineyard to bottle and a nod to the science. The vineyards are meticulously maintained without the use of chemicals or pesticides, and water-saving irrigation techniques are employed to conserve resources. The winery also uses native yeast strains and avoids genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to ensure the natural integrity of the wine. Additionally, La Playa prioritizes eco-conscious improvements and the well-being of its employees. Byproducts of the winemaking process are repurposed for erosion control and composting, further contributing to sustainability. Energy-efficient methods are employed throughout the winery, and packaging materials are recycled to minimize environmental impact.

The science behind La Playa Wines lies in their use of sustainable and environmentally sound practices. From the careful selection of native yeast strains, which enhance the natural fermentation process, to the innovative water-saving irrigation systems, the winery applies scientific principles to maintain the health of its vineyards and produce high-quality wines. The avoidance of chemicals and GMOs is grounded in a scientific understanding of their potential impact on both the environment and the quality of the wine. The repurposing of byproducts for erosion control and composting showcases an application of ecological science to reduce waste and enhance soil health. Overall, La Playa Wines demonstrates that science and sustainability go hand in hand in producing exceptional wines while caring for the environment.

Don Rodolfo - The people of Argentina and Chile love to express themselves. Embracing art as a language, locals do this through rich cuisine, vibrant music, and eye-catching street art.  This dynamic culture inspires Don Rodolfo Art of the Andes wines, a joint venture project of La Playa of Chile and Belasco de Baquedano of Argentina, which embrace this lifestyle in each and every one of its handcrafted wines.   

When it comes to making a Brut Cuvée sparkling wine from Mendoza, Argentina, I lean more towards the scientific aspect of the process. Precision in selecting grape varieties, rigorous temperature control during fermentation, and careful handling throughout the production process are crucial for achieving a high-quality Brut Cuvée. These scientific aspects ensure the consistency and sophistication of the final product.

 However, art also plays a crucial role in creating the desired flavor profile. The creativity and inspiration I draw from the beauty and culture of Mendoza, as well as the warmth and passion of its people, deeply influence my approach. The region not only imparts a unique character to the wines but also stimulates my imagination and commitment to perfecting each batch. This allows me to create a sparkling wine that not only reflects the distinctive spirit of Mendoza but also the dedication and commitment of its community.

Image: Belasco de Baquedano located in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina; Source: Cabernet Corp.

Are there any recent innovations or experiments in winemaking at Cabernet Corp that you're particularly excited about?

Axel – Large oak barrels allow us to have more elegant, silky wines and better balance. During vinification, the extraction of the grape is very careful and according to taste. Unleafing in the vineyard allows us to balance the greenery and achieve a more complex wine.

Don Rodolfo - Recently, Don Rodolfo Art of the Andes, in collaboration with its joint venture with Cepas Argentinas, has been exploring fascinating innovations in winemaking that have generated a lot of excitement. One of the standout experiments is the production of their Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, made exclusively from nearly indigenous white grapes grown at extreme altitudes in the Andes. This approach gives the wine vibrant freshness and balanced acidity, unique characteristics thanks to the Andean terroir. 

Additionally, they have been experimenting with cold fermentation methods to highlight citrus and floral notes, and with aging on lees, which adds greater complexity and a creamy texture to the sparkling wine. These innovations are redefining what can be expected from a high-quality Blanc de Blancs in the region and are taking winemaking in Argentina to new heights.

Image: Belasco de Baquedano wine cellar barrels; Source: Belasco De Baquedano

What can you tell us about the meticulous process behind producing the award-winning Axel Carmene 2022 and Don Rodolfo Brut?

Axel – For Axel, we have controlled yield production and artificial intelligence in vineyard management (especially in irrigation strategy). We also have different sustainable practices in the vineyard such as vermiculture, cultural control with machinery, precision in applications, and irrigation control. 

In the winery, we have constant control during the evolution of the wine and during its aging in barrels. 

Don Rodolfo - The award-winning Don Rodolfo Brut is a Blanc de Blancs Cuvée that stands out for its meticulous and extensive production process. This wine is made from white grapes and a selection of European varieties that have uniquely adapted to the Mendoza environment over time, giving them a distinctive character.

The process begins with a careful selection of grapes, grown at high altitudes that allow for slow and even ripening. This ensures that the grapes achieve a perfect balance between acidity and natural sugars. Fermentation is carried out at low temperatures to preserve the fresh and aromatic notes that characterize this sparkling wine. 

What truly sets Don Rodolfo Brut apart is its extended aging on lees, where the wine develops additional complexity. This aging imparts a creamy texture and notes of toasted bread, hazelnuts, and citrus. 

Every detail, from the selection of grapes to the careful handling during fermentation and the extensive aging, contributes to the exceptional quality of this sparkling wine, which has been recognized and awarded for its elegance and balance.

How does Cabernet Corp stand out in terms of branding and market positioning within such a competitive industry?

Cabernet Corp stands out in the competitive wine industry through its distinctive branding and strategic market positioning. The company emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation, which resonates with environmentally conscious consumers. By certifying their products with internationally recognized standards like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), Cabernet Corp establishes a reputation for quality and responsibility. Their focus on sustainable practices, such as water conservation, organic soil management, and the use of natural fungicides, aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Additionally, Cabernet Corp’s dedication to employee training in viticulture and sustainability further strengthens its brand image as a forward-thinking and responsible company. This combination of sustainability, quality assurance, and continuous improvement allows Cabernet Corp. to differentiate itself in a crowded market, appealing to consumers who value both premium quality and environmental stewardship.

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In which countries are your wines currently available, and which regions are you targeting for future growth?

La Playa wines can be found all over Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.

Where can U.S. consumers find Cabernet Corp’s wines, and have any key retail partnerships helped elevate the brand?

Cost Plus World Market.

Sustainability plays a major role in your operations. How are these practices integrated into your winemaking process, and what impact have they had on your wines and the environment?

Axel - La Playa Wines stands as a beacon of sustainability within the winemaking industry, with a steadfast commitment to eco-friendly practices from vineyard to bottle. The vineyards nurturing our grapes are meticulously tended without the use of chemicals or pesticides, fostering a natural balance in the ecosystem. Water-saving irrigation techniques are employed, ensuring responsible usage of this precious resource. Only native yeast strains are utilized, eschewing genetically modified organisms for a more authentic and pure winemaking process. 

Our efforts extend beyond the vineyards, with the winery itself undergoing eco-conscious improvements and prioritizing the well-being of our employees. These sustainable endeavors have earned La Playa Wines the prestigious "Certified Sustainable" accreditation in Chile, a testament to our unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility. From employing mechanical weed control to utilizing natural remedies for pest management, every aspect of our operations is thoughtfully crafted to minimize environmental impact. Even the byproducts of winemaking are repurposed, with grape stems used for erosion control and composting enriching the soil for future harvests. Furthermore, our winery embraces energy-efficient cooling methods and diligently recycles packaging materials to reduce waste. As a proud member of "1% for the Planet," La Playa Wines continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental advocacy by donating a portion of its sales to organizations dedicated to preserving our planet's natural beauty and resources. With each bottle, La Playa Wines not only offers exquisite varietals but is also a testament to the power of sustainable practices in shaping a better future for generations to come.

Image: The vineyards at La Playa; Source: Cabernet Corp.

Don Rodolfo - Don Rodolfo Art of the Andes wines are certified by the internationally respected DNV-GL Corporation in both Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The winery is committed to sustainability, employing water conservation techniques such as drip irrigation and treating and reusing winery wastewater for irrigation. The pollution-free water used for irrigation is sourced from the snowmelt off the Andes. To maintain soil health, cover crops are used to release nitrogen back into the soil, incorporating organic material. Natural fungicides like copper sulfate are utilized to avoid the use of harmful pesticides. Pruning and canopy management practices ensure good aeration and reduce humidity levels, minimizing the need for chemical treatments. The soils are continuously analyzed to monitor health and maintain natural biodiversity. Additionally, all employees regularly attend viticulture and sustainability training courses. The winery also recycles all packaging materials, including cardboard, wood, plastic, and glass, through a certified waste management company.

Image: Vineyards in the Andes regions; Source: DR Art of the Andes

Conclusion:

Cabernet Corp's journey from its Danish roots to the vineyards of Chile, Argentina, and beyond is a testament to the enduring power of exploration, innovation, and a deep respect for nature's bounty. With their recent double win at the USA Wine Ratings, they’ve proven that their commitment to sustainability, quality, and craftsmanship is not only recognized but celebrated on the world stage. As Cabernet Corp continues to blend tradition with modernity, their wines tell a story of adventure, dedication, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence—one that wine enthusiasts around the globe eagerly anticipate with every bottle uncorked.

Header Image: Partners and brothers Peter and Eric Axelsen; Source: Cabernet Corp.

In conversation with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network

 

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