Château Los Boldos, `Tradición Reserva` Cachapoal Valley Merlot
Vintage: 2022
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | LB611B22 | 6 x 75 | Screwcap | Contact Us |
Producer
Situated 100 kilometres south of Santiago in the Cachapoal Valley, in the foothills of the Andes, Château Los Boldos has transformed since being purchased by Sogrape in 2008. Renowned soil scientist and viticultural consultant Pedro Parra was brought in to assess the plots and match appropriate grape varieties to different soils around the estate. Advising on the type of rootstock, planting density, orientation and irrigation frequency were all within Pedro’s remit. The results of his work, which have significantly improved grape quality, are now reflected in the wines carefully made by head winemaker Diego Veragara, with the support of renowned consultant, Alberto Antonini.
The estate’s first vineyards were planted in 1948 and today Château Los Boldos has 170 hectares of vineyards planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Syrah. The Cachapoal Valley’s Mediterranean climate and high diurnal range, due to the proximity of the Andes mountains, are ideal for growing grapes that retain fresh acidity while achieving optimum ripeness. The nearby Cachapoal River also moderates temperatures, while stony alluvial soils in the vineyard ensure low yields. Château Los Boldos makes wine using fruit exclusively from their own vineyards, therefore retaining control from grape to bottle and ensuring consistently high quality in their wines.
Château Los Boldos’s wines are fruit-forward with distinct varietal characteristics. The whites are unoaked and fermented at a cool 13°C to retain freshness. The Sauvignon Blanc is bright and aromatic with vibrant acidity and the Chardonnay displays tropical fruit and citrus characters. The reds are aged in used French oak barrels for six months. The Merlot is well balanced with soft tannins, while the Carmenère is plush with plenty of blackberry and cassis character. The Cabernet Sauvignon has good structure with spicy blackcurrant notes.
The `Gran Reserva` wines are produced from a careful selection of plots in the Cachapoal vineyards, from vines aged over 10 years old. Both wines are harvested by hand, before ageing in French oak barrels for 10 months. The Cabernet Sauvignon is defined by aromas of fresh cassis and black currant. The Carménère has a round, full structure, with notes of ripe plum and dark chocolate.
`Grand Clos` is produced from the best plot within the vineyards, chosen to showcase the elegance of wines grown on alluvial soil. Aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, this wine has soft, silky tannins with spicy cedar notes.
Vineyards
The vineyard is located in Requinoa within the Cachapoal Andes valley. This area has a mediterranean climate which is greatly influenced by the Andes Mountains and the Cachapoal river, which generate a large thermal oscillation between day and night (+/- 20°C). The grapes were sourced from plots planted in 2004. The soil is of alluvial origin and is derived from the terraces of the Cachapoal river. The soil texture varies from clay, clayey silt loam and silt loam for the first 50 to 70 cm. Below, there is an important presence of gravel and sand that increases with depth. The plantation was established with a density of 5.555 plants/ha in a VSP system and conducted with a double guyot pruning system. The yields of these plots are controlled between 10 to 12 tons/ha. During the growing season, early partial defoliation is carried out to increase the final yield. Irrigation is controlled from veraison to harvest to achieve an optimum maturity of the grapes and efficient and conscious use of water.
Vintage
The 2022 vintage was excellent, despite a growing season marked by drought and high temperatures in March and April. Harvest started a week earlier than normal years and finished two weeks later. Due to improvements in the fertilization program in the vineyard, changes in the ripeness of the grapes were seen - particularly, an improved phenolic ripeness at the time of harvest. The coordination between vineyard and winery was very precise to decide the best time of harvest for each grape variety due to the specific climatic conditions of this vintage. The wines from 2022 are ripe and rich, with good concentration and an elegant freshness which reflects the Cachapoal Andes Valley.
Vinification
The grapes were mechanically harvested and destemmed. Pre-fermentation cold maceration took place for 4-5 days at 6°C. Following this, fermentation was carried out in Inox tanks with a controlled temperature between 24-26°C. After fermentation, 30% of the wine was aged for 10 months in second and third fill oak barrels to soften the tannins. The remaining 70% of the wine was aged in Inox tanks.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This wine is an intense ruby red colour. Aromas of ripe red fruits including raspberries, strawberries, and sour cherries are blended with a light spicy touch. On the palate this wine is balanced and fresh with soft and pleasant tannins.
Alcohol (ABV)
14%
Acidity
5.32 g/l
Residual Sugar
2.99 g/l
pH
3.52
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Château Los Boldos | `Tradición Reserva` Cachapoal Valley Carmenère | LB612 | R | ||
| `Tradición Reserva` Cachapoal Valley Sauvignon Blanc | LB613 | W | |||
| `Tradición Reserva` Cachapoal Valley Chardonnay | LB614 | W | |||
| `Tradition Réserve` Cachapoal Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | LB616 | R | Factsheet | ||
| `Grand Clos` Cabernet Sauvignon | LB635 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Grande Réserve | `Gran Reserva` Cachapoal Cabernet Sauvignon | LB626 | R | Factsheet | |
| `Gran Reserva` Cachapoal Carménère | LB636 | R |