SAUVIGNON BLANC
Los Vascos
LES DOMAINES BARONS DE ROTHSCHILD LAFITE
APPELLATION
Colchagua Valley
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Sauvignon Blanc
WINEMAKERS
Philippe Rolet
TECHNICAL DATA
Acidity
3.13 g/L
Alcohol
12.6%
91POINTS
91POINTS
Los Vascos wines blend Lafite tradition with the unique terroir of Chile to create elegant wines that bring exceptional to the everyday. The vision of Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite to expand their estate took them to South America in 1988, becoming the first French viticultural investment in modern Chile. Since then, a comprehensive modernization and investment program has been undertaken, oriented towards the production of fine wine using and adapting the viticultural experiences of Bordeaux and other areas where Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite is present.
Los Vascos is located in Valley de Caneten (Colchagua), a closed valley in the central zone of Chile, approximately 25 miles from the sea. The valley provides a perfect microclimate for high quality viticulture, with Northern exposure to lands uncontaminated by airborne or water-borne pollutants. Daily on-shore winds provide temperature changes between 68-77°F, for optimum maturation of the grapes. With 1,581 acres planted on the over 10,000 acre estate, it is one of the largest vineyards in the central Colchagua valley, at the foot of Mount Cañeten.
Los Vascos is made up of a large diversity of soils. The heart of the estate, in the valley floor, consists of sand and clay alluvions left by the erosion of neighboring granitic hills, as well as Tosca, a very hard soil made from volcanic ashes that have been transported by rivers into the plains and compacted over time.
The grapes for this particular vintage have a dual origin. A good amount comes from the Peralillo estate where grapes are planted in the somewhat warmer climate of the domaine’s valley floor so the soil showcases the character of the grape. Additional fruit is sourced from a coastal property in Paredones, only 4.5 miles away from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Paredones grapes contribute minerality due to the shallow and granitic soils of that estate. The proximity of the sea allows the typical pungency and aromas of the variety to flourish.
A winter with moderate rainfall gave way to a spring that initially behaved, with normal temperatures. It then gradually rose to above normal levels during February and March, transforming the season into a very hot year, similar to 2019.
The grapes are harvested, destemmed, cooled and deposited in the presses, where they macerate for up to 12 hours. After maceration, the must is drained and pressing begins. Under constant monitoring, the blend is evaluated and decisions made on the basis of tasting and analytical parameters. The must is protected as much as possible from oxygen, seeking to preserve its color and characteristic aromas.
After cold decanting at 40–45°F, the must with its lees is kept in cold storage for 2 weeks, then inoculated and fermented in stainless steel tanks (temperature does not exceed 59°F). Then the must is blended and stored in stainless steel tanks.
Crystalline, with slight greenish hues. The nose is intense with aromas ranging from green chili and asparagus to white fruits such as green apple and lime, as well as more tropical notes such as passion fruit and lychee. In the mouth it stands out for its acidity, freshness and tension. A fresh yet complex Sauvignon Blanc that invites you to enjoy it with seafood.
RESOURCES
Los Vascos Portfolio
