Semillon D.O. Apalta
The vintage
This vintage was characterized by moderate rainfall, a little less than usual, and continued with a very cold spring. The beginning of the summer was cold, but temperatures gradually increased and remained very stable throughout the season, without reaching extremes, which allowed us to obtain an ideal ripeness resulting in great balance and quality. The entire block was harvested by hand on March 1st. The grapes are harvested row by row in small cases to ensure they don´t get bruised.
Location
Apalta is a horseshoe-shaped valley in the Central Region of Chile, bounded to the south by the Tinguiririca River and encircled by granite hills covered with native hualo woods. Apalta is one of the last areas in Chile where Semillon grapes are cultivated.
Terroir
Grapes are sourced from a plot called "Las 90 Hileras", dating back to 1930. The soils consist of sandy loam overlaying granitic sands resulting from the weathering of the surrounding hills. The topsoil is shallower and less clayey than elsewhere on the property, allowing the roots to penetrate up to 3 meters deep and access sufficient moisture throughout the growing season without irrigation. The proximity to the high hills limits sun exposure preserving the wine's freshness. The ungrafted vines, originating from a historical massal selection, naturally maintain balance and produce fewer but highly concentrated grapes.
Winemaking
The grapes are destemmed, cooled and placed in the press. After cold decanting, which takes place at 4 to 7°C, the clear must is separated from the sediments and transferred to cement eggs and barrels, where alcoholic fermentation takes place. Temperatures do not exceed 16°C and fermentation takes about two weeks. After this, the wine is kept on its lees, which are stirred once a day to increase volume. About 9 months later the blend is made. The base comes from the cement eggs, whilst the barrel components add some complexity.
Tasting
Pale yellow colour with greenish highlights.
The nose is complex, opening on delicate aromas of lemon and orange peel, followed by notes of white flowers and hints of dried fruit. On the palate, a harmonious balance is struck between refreshing acidity and ample volume. The wine culminates in a lingering finish, leaving a subtle aftertaste reminiscent of grapefruit.
Alcohol content
14.1
Grapes
Sémillon
: 100 %