Everything About Pais Grape

Spelling Icon "pah-EES (MISH-uhn)"
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Description Icon Pais Description

Origin: Spain
History: País, known as Mission in North America and Criolla Chica in Argentina, is a red grape variety of significant historical importance. It was the first Vitis vinifera grape variety to be exported from Spain to the New World in the 16th century, introduced by Spanish missionaries for sacramental wine production. In Chile, País was the most planted variety until the 21st century, when it was overtaken by Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, it is commonly used in the production of jug wine in regions like Bío-Bío, Maule, and Itata.
Appearance: Medium-sized, round berries with a dark blue to black skin.
Growing Traits: País is valued for its vigor and ease of cultivation, producing high yields even with limited irrigation. The grape's thin skin does not provide much extract, often resulting in wines with a light brown coloring. It is mostly consumed domestically, but some sweet dessert wines have been exported in the past.
Food Pairing Icon Food Pairing
País's light body and rustic character make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, rustic stews, and traditional Chilean cuisine. Its moderate tannins and acidity complement earthy flavors and hearty dishes.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Light to medium-bodied with a rustic character, offering both freshness and subtle complexity. Typically vinified dry, though it can exhibit ripe fruit characteristics. Moderate tannin levels, contributing to a slightly astringent mouthfeel. Medium acidity, providing vibrancy and enhancing its food-pairing versatility. Moderate alcohol content, generally around 12-13%, contributing to its refreshing character.
Red cherry Taste Note Red cherry
Strawberry Taste Note Strawberry
Herbal Taste Note Herbal
Earthy Taste Note Earthy
País wines are characterized by bright red fruit aromas, notably red cherries and strawberries, accented by subtle herbal and earthy notes. On the palate, they are light to medium-bodied with moderate tannins and acidity, leading to a refreshing and slightly rustic finish.
Regions
[object Object] Region
Chile
•Bío-Bío
•Maule
•Itata
[object Object] Region
United States
•California
[object Object] Region
Argentina
•Mendoza
Notable Wines and Producers
Pipeño
•Cacique Maravilla
•Roberto Henríquez
País Viejo
•Bouchon Family Wines

Pais FAQ

Spain

Pais has a body level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Pais is Moderate to Light bodied.

Pais has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Pais is Dry.

Spain

Pais is grown in Chile (Bío-Bío, Maule, Itata)United States (California)Argentina (Mendoza).

País wines are characterized by bright red fruit aromas, notably red cherries and strawberries, accented by subtle herbal and earthy notes. On the palate, they are light to medium-bodied with moderate tannins and acidity, leading to a refreshing and slightly rustic finish.

País's light body and rustic character make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, rustic stews, and traditional Chilean cuisine. Its moderate tannins and acidity complement earthy flavors and hearty dishes.

País wines are characterized by bright red fruit aromas, notably red cherries and strawberries, accented by subtle herbal and earthy notes. On the palate, they are light to medium-bodied with moderate tannins and acidity, leading to a refreshing and slightly rustic finish.

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