euskalkultura.eus

With a Basque past and Chilean present come together deliciously in the wines produced at Korta Wines, located 200 kilometers south of Santiago, Chile in the Lontue Valley.  Grandson of Gipuzkoans, Francisco Korta Bucarery does not hesitate in awarding the responsibility with which they undertake every new initiative, to their Basque origin, proudly claiming their Basque identity and Basque roots. “We proudly carry our Basque culture,” the general manager of Korta Wines says. 

Sagrada Familia, Chile.   Created in 1997, the Korta Wines Bodega is celebrating two decades this year, that its owners, the Korta Bucarey family, esteem to have been very positive.  "In 20 year we have been able to get our product in the market and have also become a reference in the wine world in their area."

With great pride for the land of their ancestors, the Korta Bucarey family show their origin and culture not only in the Basque name of some of their wines, but also with the slogan that accompanies the brand: Korta Wines, “Chilean Land, Basque Roots.” And even if the bodega is celebrating its 20^th birthday in 2017, the Korta family marks the beginning of its story way before that.

“We are third-generation of Basques in Chile,” Francisco Korta Bucarey explained to EuskalKultura.com.  “My paternal grandparents, Jose Korta Zuloaga and Maria Gurruchaga Odriozola, were originally from Urrestilla, near Azpeitia in Gipuzkoa.  Both were from the same town but they didn’t come to Chile together.  My grandmother came first, and brought her brother from the Onditi farmhouse.  My grandfather came years later, to avoid military service in Morocco.  When he was 17, he crossed the ocean to head to Brazil, but during the trip he met a Basque cook that advised him to go to either Argentina or Chile.  He stayed in Argentina for a couple of years, but as he wasn’t doing well, he came to Chile.  He came across the mountain pass of Cristo Redentor on foot, around 1911.  In Chile, he sought out some acquaintances form his hometown, the Guruchaga family, when he again met my grandmother, who he later married.”  

Chilean Wines, Basque Names

“The winery was the result of the diversification of the family’s business, Francisco continued.  “In this area the wine business was the best alternative and so that is how our vineyard came about.  And even if we still didn´t try Basque products like txakoli, patxaran or cider, that personally delight us, we can say that our slogan “Chilean Land, Basque Roots” goes on nearly all of our wines, as part of our identity.”

“As part of our products we also use some Basque names,” he continues.  “’Beltz,’ (red wine, in Basque) is a line of our high-end red wines, and among the whites we have one called ‘Irune’ that is a mix of three grapes; and so its name Irune that means trinity in Basque,” Korta clarified.

Current contact with Basques in Chile and Euskal Herria

“My grandfather had 11 brothers and sisters; and so being from such a large family, we still have relatives in Euskal Herrria that we keep in touch with.  Mostly with those who still live in Urrestilla and in Azpeitia.  In regards to the local Basque community, although we have some contact with the Basque club in Santiago, we have more contact with folks at the Basque Delegation in Chile, and specially with the delegate of the Basque Country in Chile, Rafa Kutz, who we have a very good relationship with.  

Basque Roots, Feelings and Commitment

“To have Basque roots brings along with it a certain responsibility: the commitment that one makes towards everything,” he reflects.  “My grandparents, my parents and my uncles had all very strong Basque personalities that I see in other Basques, or from humor like in films like Eight Basque Last Names.  We continue with this identity and we carry our Basque origin with pride.”

“This year, 2017, Korta Wines celebrates its 20th birthday, and this is also the result of Basque worth ethic.  When we began, nobody knew us, but after 20 years of work, 20 years of learning and 20 years of getting our brand on the market, I think that we are where we want to be, with a brand in the Chilean market and abroad that provides us a name and a relevant position in the world of wine.”

Facebook: Korta Wines
Website: http://www.korta.cl