A project that soon took shape, now adding experimental fruity wines to an emerging Albariño vineyard. All to break the mould with their small productions, full of character and innovation in each bottle.
It was more than four years ago - in 2020 - that he started rehearsing literally in the courtyard of his home, located in Romeral, Curicó ValleyThe wine blends were unique for her and capable of transporting with their attributes, to the territories of our varied and generous geography.
Curiosity made Patricia go further. For many years she has dedicated herself to supplying small producers with equipment and supplies for winemaking, through her company Chilevitis, fully knowing their needs, but also that experience lived with many difficulties and rarely told.
Malandra Jars is precisely the result of his creation of signature wines, made on a human scale, with productions that are born using from 500 to 1500 kilos of grapes, especially with vines present in Maule Sur, in some cases, coming from old vines and cultivated in dry land.
So, with the help of good friends and advisors, plus his constant interest in exploring little-known varieties, he decided to take on small challenges that have become his greatest achievements. Today, he produces between 700 and 1500 bottles per labelThe total of eight wines, made with varieties such as carignan, muscatel, cinsault, tannat, sauvignon blanc and garnacha, represent their intrepid creator.
"The name is because we love jars, they are very noble vessels. We use the old ones for fermenting and the new ones for storage. El Malandra is the unruly child in all of us. I identify myself completely, because I am a bit rebellious and informal, from a rural upbringing without wanting to learn to be a housewife, because I wanted to study and also drive the tractor", says Patricia Gálvez.
Creativity with a woman's stamp
In a scenario she traditionally saw as male-dominated, she gave herself the impetus to demonstrate that female sensitivity and creativity can have a prominent place in Chilean winemaking. "I feel that women have enormous potential to innovate and break out of traditional structures. We have the ability to adapt to the tastes of others, like mothers or grandmothers who cook with everyone in mind. This sensitivity allows us to develop products that connect in a unique way with people," she says proudly.
Among current and future projects, the constant is clear: to break new ground and explore new alternatives, new territories. Passionate about wine, Patricia Gálvez is redefining what it means to innovate in Chile, making a difference with products that not only seek to distinguish themselves for their quality, but also for their authenticity and real connection with the consumer.
Always looking ahead, and besides having already in its repertoire a sparkling wine, a rosé, different red blends and a late harvest, its latest innovation was to launch two frizzantes made with cinsault and muscatel, presented in 375 cc format and crown cap. Both with a sweet and refreshing touch, specially designed for hot summer afternoons.
"There are only 100 trial bottles that we will launch at a beach sunset on the Curican coast. We want to see how the public reacts to this lighter and more accessible proposal, which can even compete with beer on informal occasions," he explains.
But creativity has made her go even further. Among her most daring projects is a vineyard planted behind her house, 100% Albariño, with just 1,000 plants, a rare variety in Chile. "We wanted to work with something that was not typical, that had the potential to make a high quality wine. A project with which we want to make a difference and offer something that will surprise our customers," Patricia says.
All this, plus the opening to wine tourism with wine tastings and visits by the owner herself. Doing different things and to take wine out of the more serious concept, to bring it to the table for everyday enjoyment.. That is the invitation of this Romeralina at heart. "Wine is more than a drink, it is a way to tell stories, to express the territory and to connect with people. For me, that is the most valuable thing. It's enjoying life...having a good time without looking at who!"
More information and reservations at https://tinajasdelmalandra.cl/enoturismo/
Address: Ramon Freire 7810, Romeral, Curicó Valley.
Telephone: +56 9 78096 551
