Natural Wine
Gastronomic wines from old vines. A project by Juan Ignacio Acuña in the heart of Itata's dry-farmed heritage.
Juan Ignacio Acuña crafts wines that speak of place, tradition, and the unadulterated expression of Itata's ancient vines.
Based in the Itata Valley, Juan Ignacio Acuña leads Viña Zaranda with a clear vision: creating gastronomic, food-friendly wines that honor the region's centuries-old viticultural heritage.
As a member of the Sur Natural association, Acuña works alongside a collective of producers dedicated to preserving Itata and Bio-Bío's traditional dry-farming practices. His approach centers on old vine varieties—some over a century old—managed without irrigation in the region's granitic soils.
The philosophy is one of restraint and respect. In the cellar, native fermentations and minimal sulfur usage allow the distinct character of each variety and vineyard to emerge without artifice.
Dry-farmed heritage vines rooted in granitic soils, cultivated without irrigation for generations.
Old Vine País
The historic heart of Itata. Bush-trained vines planted over a century ago, yielding small quantities of concentrated fruit with unmistakable wild character and earthy complexity.
Granitic Soils
Decomposed granite and quartz dominate the terroir, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The cool coastal influence from the Pacific moderates temperatures, preserving acidity.
Bush Vines (Gobelet)
Traditional head-trained vines, ungrafted in many cases, surviving through dry-farming alone. These historic vineyards represent a living link to Chile's pre-industrial wine past.
Food-focused wines crafted from heritage varieties: Chasselas, Moscatel, Semillon, País, and Cinsault.
Chasselas
An Alpine variety thriving in Itata's granite. Delicate aromatics, crisp acidity, and subtle saline minerality. A gastronomic white that pairs with coastal cuisine.
Moscatel de Alejandría
From ancient dry-farmed vines. Intensely aromatic with orange blossom and citrus notes, yet dry and refreshing on the palate with remarkable textural complexity.
Semillon
A forgotten classic in Chile. Textural and layered with waxy citrus, herbal undertones, and the weight to accompany sophisticated dishes. Fermented and aged with minimal intervention.
País
The champion of Itata. Light-bodied yet complex, with red berry fruits, earthy undertones, and a peppery finish. A versatile red that serves lightly chilled, embodying the rustic elegance of the valley.
Cinsault
Floral and vibrant with remarkable freshness. These old vine expressions show raspberry and rose petal notes, fine tannins, and the kind of drinkability that defines the best natural wines.
"Wine should be a companion to the table, not a distraction from it."
Viña Zaranda represents a commitment to gastronomic natural wine—bottles that enhance food, conversation, and occasion. As part of the Sur Natural collective, Juan Ignacio Acuña works to preserve the viticultural heritage of southern Chile while creating wines that belong on the finest tables.