Category: CHILE

Apaltagua Reserva Merlot

Our entire vineyard is carefully tended with affection and respect for the natural surroundings. The grapes cultivated for our Apaltagua Reserva Merlot come from 14 year old vines in our own 60 hectare vineyard in the Colchagua Valley, in the community of Palmilla. Harvested by hand, the grapes are transported in bins of 400 kilograms so that the bunches remain intact, thus preserving the organoleptic quality of the grapes. Yields are approximately 10,000-11,000 kilograms per hectare.

Vinification

Our grapes are harvested by hand at the beginning of April. In order to extract color and aromas, the grape is de-stemmed and the must is placed in stainless steel tanks, where it remains for four to six days during a cold, pre-fermentation maceration (temperatures below 10°C or 50°F). Next, the alcoholic fermentation lasts for seven days, with selected yeasts, at temperatures between 28° to 30°C (82° to 86°F). Malolactic fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks. Afterwards, one part of the wine (between 30-40%) is transferred to French oak barrels with two to three years of use, and is aged for five to six months. Finally, the wine is blended in stainless steel tanks and continues to age for three to four months before being bottled.

Tasting notes

Red with glints of purple, Apaltagua Reserva Merlot has notes of raspberry and creme de cassis. The aroma is intense, with touches of fresh fruit and a light hint of spices. In the mouth it is elegant, with a medium body. The tannins are smooth and round, with just enough oak to lend elegance and a persistent finish.