Clos Apalta : Le Petit Clos 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for Petit Clos 2023 by Clos Apalta

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The Petit Clos 2023 reveals a magnificent deep red colour, enhanced by delicate purple hues at the edges of the glass.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet is particularly intense. It releases rich aromas of red fruits and redcurrant, harmoniously blended with notes of herbs, spices, and subtle touches of pencil lead.

Palate
From the very first sip, the texture proves both smooth and juicy. The wine offers beautiful density, supported by perfectly defined tannins, extending into a persistent and elegant finish.

Food and Wine Pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted red meats, such as beef or lamb. It also goes very well with game dishes enhanced with aromatic herbs, flavourful poultry, slow-cooked pork, as well as slightly spiced dishes or those topped with a red wine reduction sauce.

Serving and Cellaring

To fully appreciate Le Petit Clos 2023, it is recommended to decant it about half an hour before serving. It is best enjoyed at the classic serving temperature for structured red wines. With its beautiful balance, it offers cellaring potential of several years.

The Elegance of a Great Colchagua Valley Terroir by Clos Apalta

The Estate

Founded in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and Cyril de Bournet, the Clos Apalta estate has established itself as a landmark name at the heart of Chile. Located in the renowned wine-growing region of the Colchagua Valley, the property extends across a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Today, Charles-Henri de Bournet Marnier Lapostolle heads the estate, carrying forward a family vision centred on excellence. Renowned worldwide for its exceptional cuvées, the estate cultivates its 160 hectares of vines under organic farming, combining French expertise with a unique Chilean terroir.

The Vineyard

Nestled in the heart of Colchagua Valley, around 70 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean, the dedicated vineyard spans 53 selected hectares. The vines, planted between 185 and 385 metres above sea level, benefit from a north-south exposure that is unusual for the region. The terroir consists of very old soils of granitic origin, offering excellent drainage. The estate is home to very old, ungrafted vines dating back to the 1910s, trained using the double Guyot method at a high planting density. The entire vineyard is certified organic and sustainable, encouraging deep rooting and controlled yields.

The Vintage

The year 2023 in Central Valley was marked by an early and warm growing cycle. Winter rainfall was below historical averages, though higher than the previous year. The growing season unfolded under warm, dry conditions, ensuring exceptional grape health with very low disease pressure. These ideal conditions led to an early manual harvest, carried out between 27 February and 13 April.

Winemaking and Ageing

The production of Petit Clos 2023 begins with a five- to six-week maceration, accompanied by manual punching down of the cap. Alcoholic fermentation takes place entirely in 75-hectolitre French oak vats, at a controlled temperature of between 28°C and 30°C. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in barrels. Finally, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (35% new oak and 65% one-wine barrels), before being bottled in January 2025.

Grape Varieties

This wine is a blend of 45% Carménère, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.