Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2005
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Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle (DBL) is one of Chile’s most dynamic and influential winemakers. The Lapostolle family began producing fine wine and spirits in France in 1827. In 1994, Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, sixth generation family member, and her husband Cyril de Bournet, were one of the first to see the potential of Apalta Valley’s terroirs in Chile for producing high quality red varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot. In 2005, DBL’s icon wine Clos Apalta made history by becoming the first and only South American wine to date to ever be ranked #1 of the famous Top100 of Wine Spectator. Alexandra and Cyril were joined by their son, Charles de Bournet, in their simple as ambitious goal: to create world-class wines using French winemaking philosophy and the superb terroirs of Apalta. Charles has done extensive work in introducing Syrah and Rose varietals, such as Cinsault and Grenache, terroirs analysis, and sustainable practices throughout Apalta. World renowned winemaker, Michel Rolland, has been consulting at DBL since the beginning and works with Charles to produce wines that express the family’s taste and the unique terroirs of Apalta.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
Dramatic geographic and climatic changes from west to east make Chile an exciting frontier for wines of all styles. Chile’s entire western border is Pacific coastline, its center is composed of warm valleys and on its eastern border, are the soaring Andes Mountains.
Chile’s central valleys, sheltered by the costal ranges, and in some parts climbing the eastern slopes of the Andes, remain relatively warm and dry. The conditions are ideal for producing concentrated, full-bodied, aromatic reds rich in black and red fruits. The eponymous Aconcagua Valley—hot and dry—is home to intense red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.
The Maipo, Rapel, Curicó and Maule Valleys specialize in Cabernet and Bordeaux Blends as well as Carmenère, Chile’s unofficial signature grape.
Chilly breezes from the Antarctic Humboldt Current allow the coastal regions of Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley to focus on the cool climate loving varieties, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Chile’s Coquimbo region in the far north, containing the Elqui and Limari Valleys, historically focused solely on Pisco production. But here the minimal rainfall, intense sunlight and chilly ocean breezes allow success with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The up-and-coming southern regions of Bio Bio and Itata in the south make excellent Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Spanish settlers, Juan Jufre and Diego Garcia de Cáceres, most likely brought Vitis vinifera (Europe’s wine producing vine species) to the Central Valley of Chile sometime in the 1550s. One fun fact about Chile is that its natural geographical borders have allowed it to avoid phylloxera and as a result, vines are often planted on their own rootstock rather than grafted.