**Chile’s Clos Apalta: Crafting Fabulous Wines with a French Touch**
In the sun-drenched region of Colchagua, Chile, a mere two-hour journey from Santiago, lies a wine lover’s paradise known for its exquisite red wines. Among the vineyards that dot this landscape, Clos Apalta stands out not only for its cooler spots that benefit from the refreshing influence of the south Pacific ocean but also for its historical connection to the Grand Marnier legacy.
The Marnier Lapostolle family, creators of the renowned orange and cognac liqueur, saw their lineage expand into the world of winemaking when Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle fell in love with the Apalta region in 1994. Her decision to establish a winery there was a fusion of Chilean terroir and French winemaking finesse, leading to the birth of Chile’s first icon wine, Clos Apalta, in 1997.
Apalta’s unique geography, bordered by the Tinguiririca River to the south and encased by mountains, along with its altitude advantage and diverse soil composition, contributes to the complexity of its wines. Here, Clos Apalta utilizes Bordeaux blend varieties with Carmenère taking center stage. This variety thrives in sunlight and, when planted judiciously, retains its acidity, creating a harmonious blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and occasionally Petit Verdot.
The winery’s design is as iconic as its wines, featuring native Chilian rauli wood beams that embody the 24-month labor of love required to produce Clos Apalta’s signature cuvée. A recent tasting at Minthis Hills, organized by Bottles, showcased the distinctive Apalta style across different vintages. The wines are known for their good acidity, active tannins, and a tendency towards red fruit flavors.
Highlighted vintages included the 2018 Clos Apalta with its deep inky color and aromatic profile priced at €130, and the 2019 vintage blending 70% Carmenère with other varieties for €130. The 2013 vintage presented a complex nose and was recommended as an ideal companion for rich dishes at €135. Additionally, the second wine from the estate, 2019 Le Petit Clos, offered an intense aromatic experience for €44. Lastly, the single-vineyard 100% Syrah 2019 Clos du Licán from Apalta impressed with its juicy volume and finely grained tannins at €105.
For those interested in experiencing these exceptional wines, Bottles Wine & Spirit Limassol and Minthis provide access to these vintages. As Clos Apalta continues to enchant wine connoisseurs around the globe, it stands as a testament to Chile’s burgeoning reputation in the world of fine wines.
For more information on these wines and where to find them, contact Bottles Wine & Spirit Limassol at 25 430990 or Minthis at 26 632999. Stay updated with the latest wine news by following the Cyprus Mail on Google News.
