A Must-Reference Among Chile's Great Wines, Clos Apalta was born from the intuition of a couple from the world of spirits who recognized the exceptional potential of the Central Valley, a renowned Chilean wine region.
Location and Vineyard Size
Nestled 170 km southwest of Santiago, and ideally located equidistant from the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, Clos Apalta spans a 200-hectare estate, with 60 hectares dedicated specifically to vineyards.
What is the history of the estate?
Origins Dating Back to the 19th Century
The story of Clos Apalta dates back to the origins of the Marnier Lapostolle family. Known for producing Grand Marnier since 1827, the family quickly rose to the head of the largest French liqueur company for exports. After thriving in the world of cognac and liqueurs, the Marnier Lapostolle family embarked on a new adventure in the early 20th century: wine production, acquiring Château de Sancerre.
Late 20th Century: The Creation of a Future Iconic Chilean Estate
Over generations, the family’s passion for wine extended across the Atlantic. In the 1990s, after a visit to Chile, Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet, the sixth generation of the family, were captivated by the potential of the Colchagua Valley. They made the bold decision to settle in the Central Valley's wine-growing region and founded Clos Apalta in 1994, with the ambition of producing one of South America's greatest wines. A bet that paid off, as in just a few years, Clos Apalta became one of the most iconic red wines in Chile.
A Wine Recognized Globally
Produced in 1997, the first vintage of this wine from the Colchagua Valley was recognized as one of the top three wines in Chile by 2000.
Clos Apalta is the only wine from Latin America to be named “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator and has received the perfect score of 100 points three times from James Suckling.
All About the Estate
Location and Exposure
The estate is ideally located equidistant from the Andes and the Atlantic Ocean, offering the perfect balance for viticulture.
Geology
The soils, rich and diverse, provide an ideal terrain for vine growth, especially for pre-phylloxera grape varieties.
Climate
The Central Valley wine region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, protected by the Atacama Desert to the north, the Andes to the west, and the fjords to the south.
Cultural Practices
Firmly committed to environmentally friendly practices, the estate prides itself on its manual, organic, and biodynamic vineyard management. Although it is no longer officially biodynamic certified due to the complexities of managing a biodynamic vineyard in Chile, the practices are faithfully maintained.
Vinification
After a maceration of 4 to 5 weeks, accompanied by manual bâtonnage, the fermentation takes place primarily in French oak containers. The ageing process is carried out exclusively in barrels, some of which are new. The bottling process is done without fining or filtration.
The Estate’s Wine Style
Wine Profile
The wines of Clos Apalta, resulting from a harmonious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, and Petit Verdot, are known for their rare complexity and richness.
The Grand Vin impresses with its elegance, complexity, and freshness. An intense red hue precedes a rich and generous bouquet, followed by a lingering palate with an ideal balance of concentration and fine tannins.
In pursuit of excellence, in 2014, Le Petit Clos was unveiled. Sharing the same origins as the Grand Vin, this wine stands out for its elegance and aromatic richness. A complex nose with intense fruity and spicy fragrances leads to a broad, concentrated palate, marked by finesse and delicate tannins.
Chilean Red Wines with Remarkable Ageing Potential
Due to their structure and depth, the wines of Clos Apalta have exceptional ageing potential, ensuring remarkable aromatic evolution over the years.
Food Pairings
Rich and complex, these great Chilean wines pair perfectly with dishes such as grilled red meats, spicy dishes, or aged cheeses.
