Kueyen or Kuyén is the name in mapudungun language that is given to the moon in Mapuche mythology. She is the principal wangulen spirit. Kueyen governs the others wangulen spirits (spirits of the stars). Kueyen is married Antu (the Pillan spirit that represents the sun). Kuyén has three phases: Kuyén Ulcha (küyeṉ üllcha, damsel moon or new moon), Kuyén Ñuque (küyeṉ ñuke, mother moon or full moon) and Kuyén Cushe (küyeṉ kuse, Old moon or waning crescent moon). Kuyén can control lakes and oceans (created by the tears of the rest of the wangulen spirits), and sometimes Kuyén hide himself amongst them provoking floods, meanwhile it is also who calm the stormy and destructive winds. Kuyén is the name given to this wine made under biodynamic practices performed under the rule of the winemaker Álvaro Espinoza. This is a 57% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Carménère and 2% Petit Verdot blend made with grapes from the Maipo Valley. Kuyen’s grapes are organically grown, which Espinoza believes gives his fruit a superior expression of terroir. The Kuyen blend is aged for one year in French oak barrels, then bottled and aged an additional six months in the cellar prior to release.
Antiyal Kuyen Assemblage
Antiyal, Kuyen, 750 ml
Variety: Assemblage
Viña Antiyal, Maipo Alto Valley
Composition: 57% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon; 13% Carménère and 2% Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2011
Oenologist: Álvaro Espinoza
Pairing: This is not a wine for every day; It will be a good companion at lunchtime, to drink it with roasted meat, a classic meatloaf or pasta and vegetables. Serve at 16-18°C (60-68°F).
Tasting notes:
Colour: Intense red ruby colour, with black cherry highlights.
Aromas: Intense nose of berries, such as strawberry, and black fruit notes like plum.
Palate: soft and pleasant attack on the mouth, a half full palate without being exuberant. Good balance and a soft, half long finish, without being rough.
Reference value – Case of 9 litres – Valparaíso FOB 95 – 160 US$ (USD)