Clos Apalta
Colchagua Valley, Chile
Wines :
Clos Apalta, Le Petit Clos
Winemaker :
Charles-Henri de Bournet, President and CEO
Size :
60 ha (149 acres)
Visits : Daily by appointment
Grapes :
Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot
Wine Region :
Colchagua Valley, Chile
The Clos Apalta vineyard is located at the entrance of the Apalta Valley, with its 60 hectares laid amphitheatrically. It enjoys a mostly southeast exposure, quite rare in Colchagua, which limits the sunshine and protects the old vines planted in poor granite soils from extreme heat. The Tinguiririca River and the hills of the Andean precordillera, enclosing the vineyard, ensure that our vines receive a balanced exposure to the elements: at sunset, the foothills protect the grapes from the rays of the sun and prevent scalding and dehydration at the hottest time of the day.
Clos Apalta has a micro-climate which is significantly distinct from the general climate of Chile. It could be called semi-Mediterranean, with winter rains and a long, dry summer; weather conditions that allow the grapes to reach optimum maturity. The extreme thermal oscillation favors the accumulation of anthocyanins which creates the deep, rich color of the wines.
The oldest plots were planted between 1915 and 1920; the stocks were imported from France at the end of the 19th century. A unique, century-old vineyard with 40 hectares of pied franc, with vines averaging 80-years-old.
From the beginning of this journey, we have striven for perfection. During project development, other stocks were planted beside the old vines, according to the best layout which was discovered first in Chile. This includes foothill plantations with a high density of 6600 plants per hectare and constrained yields with a production of 45hl/ha, equivalent to that of Bordeaux. Today, the carménère is the make-up of wines such as Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
In order to obtain as large a variety of wine as possible, some varietals are planted on the foothills, whilst others are on flat slopes, between 150 and 300 meters. These differences in altitude work together to offer beautiful, unique wines when assembled.
STAY AT THE PRIVATE RESIDENCE
The Clos Apalta Residence is in tune with the wine, the private residence has the same requirement for quality and elegance. Each of the rooms at the establishment offers a breathtaking view of the Apalta vineyards and surrounding mountains. From the dawn light to the last fires of sunset, it is a haven of peace for guests in search of a sensually rich retreat. The Clos Apalta Residence houses a gourmet restaurant: the refined and beautiful cuisine of the rich terroir.
There are only four luxury casitas in this nature reserve, each with luxurious comforts, nestled on the hillside in the Valley forest. Equipped with private terraces and gardens, the spacious suites (90 m2), allow you to taste the serenity of the decor, as well as the intimate meals. The glass walls allow the light to refract and play differently according to the seasons. The simplicity of the architectural lines is compensated for by the refinement of rich and luxurious materials (natural silk, leather and indigenous wood).
Address:
Apalta KM 5, Apalta ValleyColchagua, Chile
Contact Information:
Phone: +56 722 953 360Email: Send a message
Web: Clos Apalta, Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle