According to Casa Real Winemaker, Sebastián Labbé, its latest vintage is shaping up to be “one of the most expressive and harmonious of last years,” combining the distinctive identity of its Alto Jahuel terroir with vibrant aromatics, remarkable balance and exceptional ageing potential, drawing comparisons to the historic 1996 and 2001 releases.

The Maipo Valley welcomes another landmark harvest. Casa Real, Viña Santa Rita’s iconic 100% Cabernet Sauvignon crafted exclusively in exceptional vintages since 1989, is projected to deliver in 2026 one of its most expressive and harmonious interpretations in recent years, reaffirming Alto Jahuel’s status as one of the world’s great origins for the variety.

The decision to produce a new vintage is, in itself, a reflection of Casa Real’s uncompromising standards. The conditions of the most recent growing season enabled an especially faithful expression of the vineyard’s terroir, and in pursuit of capturing the highest expression of Alto Maipo, harvest was slightly delayed to achieve optimal phenolic ripeness. The result is a wine of exceptional pedigree, defined by elegant tannins, remarkable tension shaped by pronounced diurnal temperature shifts, and a profile that balances power with finesse.

“We anticipate a Cabernet Sauvignon of great density, with a complex bouquet revealing layers of ripe black fruit, refined spice notes and the mineral character intrinsic to its terroir. On the palate, it stands out for its impressive tannic structure and silky texture, hallmarks of the estate’s greatest vintages,” says Sebastián Labbé, Winemaker of Casa Real.

Labbé adds that the accumulated knowledge of the vineyard has played a decisive role in the evolution of this icon: “Each harvest brings its own challenges and opportunities, but over the years we have developed a deeper understanding of the vineyard and its historic Carneros Viejos and Población sectors. Most rewarding of all is being part of a team deeply committed to this place and connected to it in a very special way, giving the wine a truly distinctive signature.”

Early assessments suggest similarities with two emblematic vintages in Casa Real’s history: the legendary 1996, celebrated for its balance, and the 2001, renowned for its complexity and longevity, achieved through slow, even ripening without water stress.

The 2026 vintage, however, brings a distinctive dimension of its own. A cooler final ripening period, particularly during the nights of March, encouraged higher natural acidity and greater aromatic vibrancy, resulting in a wine that captures the finest attributes of its celebrated predecessors while offering extraordinary potential for bottle evolution.

About Casa Real and Viña Santa Rita

Casa Real is Viña Santa Rita’s flagship wine and one of Chile’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignons. Produced only in exceptional vintages since its inaugural release in 1989, it originates from a historic 20-hectare vineyard in Alto Jahuel, at the heart of the Maipo Valley, planted with ungrafted vines.

Its purity, consistency and authenticity have established it as an international benchmark, becoming the first Latin American wine to be recognized as a “Wine Legend.”

Founded in 1880, Viña Santa Rita is one of Chile’s leading wineries, renowned for its heritage, innovation and commitment to crafting world-class wines. With Casa Real at its pinnacle, Santa Rita continues to showcase Chile’s exceptional terroirs while elevating the reputation of Chilean wine on the global stage.