The arrival of País marked the birth of viticulture in the Americas—Spanish missionaries first planted it in Mexico before it journeyed south to Peru, Argentina, and eventually Chile. For centuries, País was South America’s backbone grape, fueling colonial economies and local communities alike. Its rustic character and resilience made it ideal for everyday wines, but as European varieties arrived, País was pushed into obscurity. In recent decades, a revival of interest in historic vineyards and minimal-intervention winemaking has breathed new life into País, placing it at the center of Chile’s wine heritage and natural wine movement.
País (Mission, Listán Prieto)
Region: Europe
País, also known as Mission or Listán Prieto, is the humble yet storied red grape once dominant across Chile, and still cherished in rustic corners of South America. Brought by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, País adapted well to Chile’s diverse landscapes, particularly thriving in the dry-farmed bush vines of the Maule and Itata Valleys. País wines are typically light in color, refreshingly high in acidity, and brimming with simple but pure red fruit and earthy tones. With a vibrant, food-friendly personality and echoes of ancient winemaking, País is gaining new respect as both a symbol of heritage and an exciting canvas for contemporary Chilean producers.
Tasting Notes
Taste Profile
- Very Dry
- Medium Body
- Moderate Tannins
- High Acidity
- Approximately 12%
The History of País (Mission, Listán Prieto)
FAQs About País (Mission, Listán Prieto)
Is País the same as Mission grape in California?
Yes. País and Mission are different regional names for the same historic grape, with origins in Spain as Listán Prieto.
What foods pair well with País wines?
Grilled vegetables, empanadas, rustic stews, and charcuterie all play nicely with País’ fresh acidity and light body.
Are País wines usually oaked?
Rarely. Most are made with minimal intervention to highlight the grape’s bright fruit and earthy purity, avoiding heavy oak.
How is País harvested and vinified in Chile today?
Many producers still use traditional methods, including hand-harvesting from old bush vines and fermenting in concrete or old wood.
Can País wine age well?
Most País wines are meant to be drunk young for freshness, but select examples from ancient vines can evolve, gaining savory and complex traits over a few years.