Bodega Murga: Peru's Natural Wine Pioneer

Bodega Murga, located in the historic Pisco Valley (formerly Chunchanga Valley) within the Humay district of Peru, is at the forefront of the country's burgeoning natural wine scene. Founded by Alberto Di Laura, affectionately known as "El Caballero del Pisco" (The Gentleman of Pisco) for his mastery as a pisco distiller, the bodega's winemaking venture, "Joyas de Murga," began with a conversation between friends about their shared passion for wine and pisco. The project is spearheaded by talented Brazilian winemaker Pietra Possamai, who joined in 2017.

Bodega Murga's philosophy is deeply rooted in a return to natural methods, both in the vineyard and the winery. They cultivate ancient "Criolla" grape varieties, indigenous to South America, which were brought from Spain centuries ago and have adapted uniquely to Peruvian terroir. Key varieties include Albilla (related to Listán Blanca), Italia (Muscat of Alexandria), Negra Criolla (Listán Prieta / Mission grape), Quebranta, and Mollar. Many of these vines are old, some well over 40 years, providing concentrated fruit.

Their viticulture is committed to organic farming methods, with no pesticides or herbicides used in the vineyards. This focus on vineyard health is seen as the crucial first step, with Alberto Di Laura emphasizing that "distillation commences in the vineyards." In the winery, the same minimal intervention philosophy applies. Wines are made with as little machinery as possible; grapes are de-stemmed by hand, and there is no use of chemicals or additives. They embrace techniques like skin contact for white wines (producing vibrant orange wines) and fermentation in concrete eggs, allowing the unique characteristics of these ancient grape varieties and the Peruvian terroir to shine through.

Bodega Murga is celebrated for producing unique, expressive wines that defy conventional expectations, offering a taste of Peru's winemaking heritage and its exciting natural wine future. Their dedication to authenticity and tradition, while pushing boundaries, makes them a fascinating and important voice in global natural wine.