Pais

Pais (pronounced pay-ees) is the second most widely planted grape variety in Chile and arguably the oldest grown variety there. It is said to have first arrived in South America several centuries ago as raisins taken by Spanish missionaries to be planted in order to grow grapes for communion wine - hence why in some places it is known as Mission. So it has some history on the continent. Although it is widely planted in Chile that doesn't mean its boring. Some of the most exciting, fun, complex, biodynamic/natural wines are made with Pais, of which we have a few below...