Château Los Boldos, `Tradición Reserva` Cachapoal Valley Sauvignon Blanc

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.