Azur
Owner: Rafael Guilisasti
Head Winemaker: Francisco Fernández
Website: www.azur.cl
Commercial Contact: fmolina@azur.cl
History
Azur marks a milestone in the history of Chilean sparkling wine as the country’s first winery dedicated exclusively to producing sparkling wines using the Traditional Method.
The project was born from the vision of Rafael Guilisasti and his family, together with his Italian-Chilean friend Stefano Rossi C. They joined forces with Franco Ziliani, the renowned Italian winemaker and owner of the historic Berlucchi winery, who played a key role in establishing Franciacorta as one of the benchmark regions for Traditional Method sparkling wine outside Champagne.
Azur’s philosophy centres on producing sparkling wines with a clear sense of origin, precision and elegance, made with patience and according to the principles of the Traditional Method. Deeply rooted in Chilean terroir, the project found in the Limarí Valley the ideal conditions for producing base wines with freshness, tension and finesse, as well as the structure to benefit from extended ageing on the lees.
From vineyard to winery, Azur follows an organic approach to both viticulture and winemaking, seeking to express the origin of its grapes with clarity and transparency while prioritising purity of fruit, winemaking precision and respect for the environment.
Rather than replicating established international models, Azur aims to forge a distinctive identity for premium Chilean sparkling wine, producing wines with fine bubbles, mineral character, natural balance and a clear affinity for the table.
Vineyards
Limarí Valley
The grapes used by Azur come primarily from a vineyard in the Limarí Valley, in the Coquimbo Region, farmed organically. Pinot Noir is sourced specifically from plots D and C, while Chardonnay comes from plot 7.
The climate is semi-arid, with intense sunlight, a wide diurnal temperature range and a strong coastal influence. These conditions help preserve the grapes’ natural acidity and freshness, both essential to the production of Azur’s Traditional Method sparkling wines.
The soils are rich in calcium carbonate, with gravel and alluvial deposits providing excellent drainage. Viticulture is focused on producing healthy grapes with moderate ripeness and naturally balanced acidity, while preserving the delicacy and aromatic purity of the fruit.
The principal varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pinot Noir brings structure, volume, depth and texture, while Chardonnay contributes freshness, tension, aromatic finesse and elegance.
Head Winemaker: Francisco Fernández
Website: www.azur.cl
Commercial Contact: fmolina@azur.cl
HistoryAzur marks a milestone in the history of Chilean sparkling wine as the country’s first winery dedicated exclusively to producing sparkling wines using the Traditional Method.
The project was born from the vision of Rafael Guilisasti and his family, together with his Italian-Chilean friend Stefano Rossi C. They joined forces with Franco Ziliani, the renowned Italian winemaker and owner of the historic Berlucchi winery, who played a key role in establishing Franciacorta as one of the benchmark regions for Traditional Method sparkling wine outside Champagne.
Azur’s philosophy centres on producing sparkling wines with a clear sense of origin, precision and elegance, made with patience and according to the principles of the Traditional Method. Deeply rooted in Chilean terroir, the project found in the Limarí Valley the ideal conditions for producing base wines with freshness, tension and finesse, as well as the structure to benefit from extended ageing on the lees.
From vineyard to winery, Azur follows an organic approach to both viticulture and winemaking, seeking to express the origin of its grapes with clarity and transparency while prioritising purity of fruit, winemaking precision and respect for the environment.
Rather than replicating established international models, Azur aims to forge a distinctive identity for premium Chilean sparkling wine, producing wines with fine bubbles, mineral character, natural balance and a clear affinity for the table.
Vineyards
Limarí Valley
The grapes used by Azur come primarily from a vineyard in the Limarí Valley, in the Coquimbo Region, farmed organically. Pinot Noir is sourced specifically from plots D and C, while Chardonnay comes from plot 7.
The climate is semi-arid, with intense sunlight, a wide diurnal temperature range and a strong coastal influence. These conditions help preserve the grapes’ natural acidity and freshness, both essential to the production of Azur’s Traditional Method sparkling wines.
The soils are rich in calcium carbonate, with gravel and alluvial deposits providing excellent drainage. Viticulture is focused on producing healthy grapes with moderate ripeness and naturally balanced acidity, while preserving the delicacy and aromatic purity of the fruit.
The principal varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pinot Noir brings structure, volume, depth and texture, while Chardonnay contributes freshness, tension, aromatic finesse and elegance.
Published wines
