The Magic of Apalta Valley
Get ready to indulge in a truly exceptional wine experience! Today, we’re diving deep into the exquisite 2022 vintage of Viña Carmen Delanz Apalta, a red wine that perfectly embodies the spirit of our heritage and the passion for fine wine. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply love to unwind with a good glass, this one’s for you.
This vintage is a testament to the unique terroir of the Apalta Valley in Chile’s Colchagua region. The 2021-2022 harvest presented some interesting challenges and incredible opportunities, resulting in a wine that’s both complex and beautifully balanced. Let’s explore what makes this wine so special.
The Magic of Apalta Valley: A Unique Terroir
The Apalta Valley, nestled within the renowned Colchagua Valley, is where the magic begins. This vineyard is a labor of love, with carefully selected parcels that contribute to the wine’s distinctive character. The heart of this blend comes from a very old Carmenere vineyard, planted in 1935, rooted in granitic soils with clay profiles, allowing for dry farming. We also have Cabernet Franc and Syrah, planted in 2003, also from deep granitic soils.
The 2021-2022 harvest was cooler and drier than average, a factor that profoundly influenced the grapes’ development. The cooler temperatures allowed for a slower, more controlled ripening, potentially leading to a more nuanced flavor profile. Despite the overall coolness, the summer months were warm and dry, creating a fascinating interplay of conditions that contributed to the wine’s complexity. The lack of humidity, while challenging for water management, concentrated the flavors, adding depth and intensity.
Vinification: A Symphony of Craftsmanship
The journey from grape to glass is a meticulous process. The grapes were hand-picked in the early morning and transported to the winery in small 12 kg boxes, ensuring their pristine condition. An optical selection process followed, guaranteeing only the best grapes made it to the fermentation tanks.
Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 23°-28°C (73°-82°F), with a 24-day maceration period to extract maximum flavor and color. The skins were then pressed using a vertical press, with varying pressures to obtain the press wine, which was incorporated into the final blend. The wine aged gracefully in French oak barrels for 18 months, allowing for natural clarification and stabilization.
Bold Red Wine for Mom: A Perfect Gift
With Mother’s Day approaching, consider gifting the special women in your life a bottle of this exceptional wine. The 2022 Delanz Apalta is a blend of 85% Carmenere, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Syrah, boasting an alcohol content of 14.0%Vol. It has a total acidity of 5.58 g/l (expressed in Tartaric Acid), a pH of 3.38, and a residual sugar of 2.29 g/l.
Made by a Woman
Ana María Cumsille describes this wine as “an elegant and fresh wine, with vibrant tannins that seek to highlight its fruitiness and freshness without leaving aside the spicy character of the Carmenere. This wine achieves a perfect balance between delicacy and juiciness, while its tannins provide texture that enhances the complexity of this blend.”
Imagine sharing a bottle with your mom, sister, or best amiga, enjoying its rich flavors and creating cherished memories. The Delanz Apalta is more than just a wine; it’s an experience, a celebration of our culture, and a tribute to the strength and grace of Latina women.
So, grab a glass, unwind, and savor the moment.
Let us know in the comments below what you think of this wine if you have tried it!