Winemaker Notes
Elegant and concentrated, with crisp, zesty acidity highlighting freshness and fruit
90% Leyda, 10% Casablanca. Cool temperatures in our Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in these regions result from their proximity to Chile's Pacific coastline, leading to a slow ripening of fruit and subsequent rich concentration of aromas. Experience has shown us that these vineyards offer some of the finest terroir in South America for producing stellar quality Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyards are planted in furrows on slopes that assist with drainage and protect vines from potential frost damage.
Professional Ratings
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.
An officially recognized sub-zone in the southern part of the San Antonio Valley, the Leyda Valley was the original settlement of the wine pioneers who came to the area in the 1990s. They were in search of cooler and wetter growing conditions—as compared to more eastern, drier and often warmer locations.
Planting, which began only in the late 1990s, focused on Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot noir and some limited spots for Syrah. The area continues to receive well-earned accolades for wines of these varieties.