Winemaker Notes
This blend is made with three traditional varieties from the coastal area of the Itata valley. Corinto is harvested first (earliest to ripen) then Muscat, then Semillon, last. Corinto is the same variety as Chasselas, and it is known for a higher acidity and minerality but with hints of bacon fat and pineapple. Semillon has a sense of cucumber, off but how it grows here. The varietals are fermented separately, then blended. The final wine has a floral and spicy character.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
A cool, rather wet region of southern Chile, Bio Bio is experiencing an increase in the development of quality wine production.