WR Chilean Merlot 2020

Located in the southern half of the Rapel Valley, the Colchagua Valley has evolved over the last twenty years from being a calm stretch of farmland to becoming one of the largest and most active wine-producing regions in the country. The relatively low altitude of the coastal hills allows the Pacific breeze to mingle with the Andean winds, which cools the valley and prolongs the maturation period of the region. This is advantageous for the preservation of acidity in the grapes, and helps to generate red wines with excellent colouring, great freshness, and very good keeping qualities. The large majority of wine produced here is red, with a particular propensity for the production of Merlot, Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Clay, sand and decomposed granite

The official Colchagua Valley viticultural area stretches south-east to north-west for 70 miles at its widest point. Its western boundary is formed by the coastal hills which seem to run the entire length of Chile's vast Pacific coastline. In the east, the vineyards are naturally limited by the foothills of the Andes, into which they creep further and further each year.

Colchagua is a little cooler than its northerly cousin Maipo, but still maintains a consistently Mediterranean climate. As with most areas of Chile, the Pacific Ocean offers a natural cooling influence – a saving grace at a latitude of 34°S, which is closer to the Equator than any European vineyard. The degree of cooling provided by the ocean varies from east to west in the Colchagua Valley, demonstrated by the distribution of red and white grape varieties.

Hand selection. Bunches were gently de-stemmed. Fermentation was in stainless steel tanks and lasts between 7 to 10 days. During fermentation the juice was pumped over the skin cap three times a day. The wine went to another stainless steel tank, and underwent natural malolactic fermentation.

Aged in stainless steel, 20% with French oak. 8 months.