Undurraga TH Cabernet Franc 2022

The Cabernet Franc grapes were sourced from a selected vineyard planted exclusively for this range in Catemito, in the Valle de Maipo. The daily temperatures during the summer are lower in this area than in the rest of the Valle de Maipo, decreasing substantially in March and April, providing the ideal conditions for the tannins to ripen completely and to ensure that the fresh aromas and flavours are preserved. Catemito is located on an alluvial terrace which was formed in the Holocene period, approximately 10,000 years ago. The soil has a mixed sandy-clayey texture and a high presence of gravel, which results in good drainage and subsequently in balanced vigour and yields. The vines are 12 years old and planted on their own rootstocks. This low-yielding terroir of 2.25 hectares was subjected to a controlled limited water supply during the ripening process and the resulting yield was 1.5 kg per vine, providing the necessary concentration for a rich, ripe wine.

The grapes were destemmed and carefully sorted to ensure only healthy, ripe fruit was crushed. The grapes were transferred by gravity into the vat, where they underwent pre-fermentation cold maceration under anaerobic conditions for five days at 6 to 8°C. Fermentation took place with natural yeasts at 27 to 28°C for 13 days with three daily pump-overs. The wine was left over its lees and skins for an additional 12 days to further enhance its structure. It was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels. The floral, wellstructured Cabernet Franc is gently softened by a touch of Merlot.