The Huaquen vineyards, with its unique location, produces a Malbec with very distinct characteristics. Bright and ruby red in color, our Apaltagua Reserva Malbec possesses notes of cherry and cassis with a touch of vanilla. The floral notes also give this wine an edge. On the palate it has well-rounded touches of red fruits and plum. It is ideal to drink now.

Variety: Malbec
Appellation: Maule Valley
Winemaker: Carolina França
Winemaker Consultant: Juan Carlos Faúndez
Bottled: At the Estate

Vineyards
Our entire vineyard is carefully tended with affection and with respect for the natural surroundings. The Huaquen vineyards are located between the Curico and Maule Valleys in Curepto. This area was carefully selected by our professionals due to its climate and location. The Huaquen vineyards are characterized by being set in the hills at the foot of the coastal mountain range, which provides excellent sun exposure ideal for producing quality wine grapes. Harvested by hand, the grapes are transported in 400kg bins preventing the grape clusters from being pressed in order to preserve the organoleptic quality of the grape. Yields are around 8000 kg/hectare.

Climate
This broad valley which parallels the Andes and Coastal range has two very distinct day and night temperatures with an annual average of 14° C (57° F). Winter has the most rain with an average of approximately 28 inches per year. However, the summer is dry with temperatures around 30° C (86° F). The high pressure that comes from the Pacific Ocean causes lower temperatures at night. These conditions allow us to have a long and complete maturation that favors the organoleptic quality of the grapes.

Vinification
Our grapes are harvested by hand between April and May. In order to extract color and aromas, the grape is de-stemmed and put into stainless steel tanks with a medium volume for 4-6 days at cold temperatures (below 50°F) in order to macerate. After, the must is fermented for 7 days with selected yeasts at temperatures between 28°-30° C (82° to 86° F). The malolactic fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks; however, part of this wine (30-40%) is aged for 5-6 months in French barrels which have been used for 1-2 years prior. Finally, the wine is blended in stainless steel tanks and aged for 3-4 months before bottling.

Notes from the winemaker
The Huaquén vineyards, with its unique location, produces a Malbec with very distinct characteristics. Bright and ruby red in color, our Apaltagua Reserva Malbec posseses notes of cherry and cassis with a touch of Vanilla. The floral notes also give this wine an edge. On the palate it has well-rounded touches of red fruits and plum. It is ideal to drink now.