WineSur » Winemakers » Usabiaga Aramburu, Jon Ander
Usabiaga Aramburu, Jon Ander
About the winemaker
Personal information
Name: Usabiaga Aramburu, Jon Ander
Age: 46 Years
Agronomist graduated from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Current position:Winameking and Vineyards Technical Manager – Viña Aresti
Previous work experience:Aronomist graduated from the “Universidad Católica de Chile” and member of the Chilean Winemaker – Agronomist Association. Jon – Ander Usabiaga was Winemaker Assistant at Portal del Alto Winery, Winemaker at Bisquertt Winery; and finally, Chief Winemaker at Luis Felipe Edwards Winery, where he worked for almost 10 years.
Studies abroad:although he has no specialization abroad, he has worked along with renowned consultants, such as Mario Geisse (Bisquertt/Casa Silva) , Gilbert Rokvam (Chateau Laffite-FR), Mike Farmilo (Penfolds-AU) and Brian Bicknell (Seresin/Mahi-NZ)
List of best wines and their awards:90 pts – Sauvignon Blanc Aresti Estate Selection 2009 – Robert Parker
90 pts – Chardonnay Aresti Estate Selection 2009 – Robert Parker
LIWC – Aresti Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2006 – Best in class
Sauvignon Blanc 2006 – Top 10 – Guia Vino y Mujer Ana Maria Barahona
Gold Medal – LIWC 2001 – Doña Bernarda 1999 (VLFE)
Syrah Limited Release 2006 – Gold Medal – Concurso Monde Selection, Bruselas, 2008
Aresti Estate Selection Carménère 2006 Silver Medal – Decanter contest, UK, 2007
Great Gold Medal – Aresti Carménère Reserva 2004 – Concurso Mundial de Bruselas 2006
Vision of the Argentinian wine industry:after almost four years of being involved in Argentina’s viticulture, I think the industry was focused on the domestic market for a long time. In the 1970s, a great expansion was observed and then the wine industry went through a stagnating stage, from where it is re-emerging vigorously today. From that point of view, vine-growing has been incorporating new material, techniques and terroirs more suitable to face a globalized world and business. Besides, the winemaking has been polishing those fantastic vines going back a long way. Therefore, I’m sure that, in a short time, Argentina will play a very important role regarding world-level quality and quantity.
