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Errázuriz: Aconcagua’s inland and coast
This producer in Aconcagua, Chile, uses both inland and coastal vineyards. When you compare their Carmenère-based KAI with their Pinot Noir from Aconcagua Costa, you see how the choice of location and grape variety within the same valley shapes the wines.
Compare the 2021 KAI and Pinot Noir by vineyard location, grape source, and barrel aging.
Questions for this course
If it's a red wine from the same valley, are the grape varieties and growing conditions similar?
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To explanation task notes ↓Viña Errázuriz / Learn from the producer
Chile / Aconcagua / Inland areas, coastal areas
Also known as / Label: Viña Errázuriz / エラスリス
Updated: 2026-10-07
KAI's inland vineyards
For KAI 2021, grapes are sourced from the inland MAX I and MAX V vineyards, with a blend of 85% Carménère, 11% Syrah, and 4% Malbec. The two vineyards differ in their conditions, with one on slopes and the other on flat land beside the river, showing variation even within the term 'inland.'
Pinot Noir from 12 km inland from the coast
The Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir 2021 is made from grapes grown in vineyards located 12 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean. Although it shares its vintage with KAI, both the location and the grape variety differ. With just these two wines, you cannot attribute the difference in taste solely to the distance from the coast.
Aging conditions also vary
KAI 2021 was matured for 22 months in French barrels, with 60% new oak. Pinot Noir 2021 was matured for 11 months, with 51% new oak. Even under the same producer and vintage, the grape material and maturation differ. This is presented as an example for comparing multiple judgments.
What to align and what to compare.
Place
- Conditions to standardize
- Aconcagua
- Conditions for comparison.
- Inland and coastal
- Additional points to confirm
- Distances within the same valley
Raw material
- Conditions to standardize
- Red • 2021
- Conditions for comparison.
- Carménère-dominant versus PN
- Additional points to confirm
- Varieties and blends
Aging
- Conditions to standardize
- French oak barrels
- Conditions for comparison.
- Period and percentage of new barrels
- Additional points to confirm
- Factors other than the land.
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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READ · HYPOTHESIZE · RECONSIDER
Errázuriz document interpretation: Aconcagua’s inland and coastal areas
Match comparison tables with cited sources and explain differences in raw materials and vinification process.
Comparison tables are based on the cited sources. Please distinguish between vintage-specific specifications and general descriptions at the time of confirmation.
| Comparison items | KAI 2021 | Aconcagua Costa PN 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Place | Inland MAX I / MAX V | Vineyards 12 km from the Pacific |
| Grapes | 85% Carménère, 11% Syrah, 4% Malbec | Pinot Noir |
| Barrel aging / new barrel | 22 months / 60% | 11 months / 51% |
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What is the main variety in KAI 2021?
For KAI 2021, grapes are sourced from the inland MAX I and MAX V vineyards, with a blend of 85% Carménère, 11% Syrah, and 4% Malbec. The two vineyards differ in their conditions, with one on slopes and the other on flat land beside the river, showing variation even within the term 'inland.'
What is the distance between the origin vineyards for the Pinot?
The Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir 2021 is made from grapes grown in vineyards located 12 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean. Although it shares its vintage with KAI, both the location and the grape variety differ. With just these two wines, you cannot attribute the difference in taste solely to the distance from the coast.
What is the maturation for KAI 2021?
KAI 2021 was matured for 22 months in French barrels, with 60% new oak. Pinot Noir 2021 was matured for 11 months, with 51% new oak. Even under the same producer and vintage, the grape material and maturation differ. This is presented as an example for comparing multiple judgments.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Match comparison tables with cited sources and explain differences in raw materials and vinification process.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | KAI 2021 | Aconcagua Costa PN 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Place | Inland MAX I / MAX V | Vineyards 12 km from the Pacific |
| Grapes | 85% Carménère, 11% Syrah, 4% Malbec | Pinot Noir |
| Barrel aging / new barrel | 22 months / 60% | 11 months / 51% |
Sources of materials used for comparison are listed in the text and exercises.
Explain in your own words
Compare the 2021 KAI and Pinot Noir by vineyard location, grape source, and barrel aging.
Check after writing
- Did you associate each label with its region and grape variety?
- Did you separate the shared and differing conditions in your comparison?
- Did you clearly indicate the year(s) the material covers or the date checked?
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