Viu Manent, Single Vineyard, 'La Capilla' Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

La Capilla Cabernet Sauvignon, Single Vineyard, 2021, Viu Manent

Colchagua Valley, Chile

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 14% ABV

The Story

The wines in the Single Vineyard series are extraordinary examples of the definition of their region and variety, which contributes to the complexity and personality of each wine.

These are small productions made with the finest Viu Manent grapes from selected blocks of our 3 Colchagua Valley vineyards. Controlled yields and very ripe, concentrated hand-picked fruit give rise to these wines of outstanding characteristics that are aged for 14–18 months in French oak barrels.

Vineyard & Winemaking

The grapes come from a selection of the best sectors in blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4 in our La
Capilla vineyard, near the town of Perallilo in Colchagua Valley. These Cabernet Sauvignon block are on average 28 years old. Soils are of volcanic and alluvial origin, short, with good drainage, low fertility, and an important percentage of sand and loam, with a compact layer of sandstone at a depth of 1 meter. There are volcanic ashes observed on the surface with a whiteish appearance that add special characteristics to the wine.

The vines are planted to a density of 3,334 plants/hectare. They are trained to low vertical shoot positions and spur pruned, with removal of shoots in spring and early summer.
The vine management is done leaving to avoid direct sunlight on the bunches, so the direct exposure to the grapes is minimal.

The grapes were hand harvested according to polygon between April 14 and 26, 2021.
There was an initial selection of bunches in the vineyard, harvesting just the bunches that had reached optimal maturity. After this, the bunches were transported in 10kg bins to the selection table for another round of selection. Once finished, the grapes were gently destemmed in order to undergo a selection of berries, removing any that were green or dried. Finally, just the berries that pass the selection are crushed and sent to stainless steel tanks for a pre-fermentation maceration for 5–7 days at 10°C. Alcoholic fermentation took place at 25-27°C, with 4 pump-overs per day, and finishing with a 7-day post-fermentation maceration. The wine was then aged for 14 months in three types of containers: 73% of the wine in French oak barrels (9% new), 25% in untoasted French foudres and 2% in Concrete Eggs.

Tasting Notes:

With a bright and deep red colour and glints of violet. The expressive nose shows great complexity, highlighting aromas of ripe red fruit and blue fruit, including sour cherry and blueberry, together with a subtle note of pink pepper. The wine is intense on the palate, with good structure and balance, highlighting firm tannins that add tension and texture to the mouthfeel. Subtle nutty notes on the aftertaste lead to a long, elegant finish. 

Cellaring & Service

Cellaring Potential: 8-10 years  

Serving Temperature: 18°C

Allergens: This wine contains sulphites