Chilean Wines: Lapostolle

Casa Lapostolle was founded in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, who also owns Grand Marnier and Chateau de Sancerre. Lapostolle is in the Apalta subregion of the Valle de Colchagua, which is one of the most important viticultural regions in Chile, and is located in the southernmost tip of the Central Valley. Its dry, quasi-Mediterranean climate, together with the moderation provided by the Pacific Ocean, makes it perfect for winegrowing. Additionally, Lapostolle's Apalta vineyards stand between two ridges that protect the vines from the aggressive morning and evening sunlight.

In this video, Andrea León, chief winemaker at Lapostolle, describes the identity of Chilean wine today. Chile's winegrowing culture is relatively young, and although its viticultural heritage is present and resounding in the wines made, Chile is slowly moving in new directions. The new regions, as well as new varieties such as carignan or pinot noir, are slowly diversifying the possibilities. Chile is progressively achieving diversity, which as Andrea explains, is "something very revealing of a wine culture." But what is important in the diversification of the wines of Chile, whether it is a cabernet sauvignon from Puente Alto or a carignan from Maule, is that each element comprising the mosaic of Chilean wine expresses enough quality to stand on its own.

Watch the video to hear a refreshing view on Chile's wine panorama and idiosincrasy, and click here for the recent tasting report on Chile.

-JGA