Undurraga TH Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The Cauquenes area is part of DO Valle de Maule. The region has a warm temperate climate, with generally warm, dry summers with daytime temperatures ranging from 28 to 30°C and cool nights of 8 to 11°C. The estate vineyard was planted in 2009 and is located on the bank of the Tutuvén River, which has a cooling effect on the vines during the warm afternoons. The vineyard has deep soils with variable texture. The topsoil consists of clay with high silica content, with partially weathered granite and even quartz in the subsoil; these properties allow for good water retention, releasing it slowly as the vines need it. This low-yielding terroir of 6,45 hectares, receives a controlled, limited water supply during the ripening process and the resulting yield is 2.4 kilograms per vine, providing the necessary concentration for a rich, ripe wine.

The grapes were carefully selected to remove any green or dehydrated berries. The healthy grapes were crushed and cold macerated for five days at 4 to 6°C to obtain good intensity of colour and aroma concentration. Fermentation took place with natural yeast at 26 to 28°C, lasting for 18 days with three daily pump overs. Postfermentation maceration took place on the lees lasting for 14 days, enhancing the structure. The wine was racked into French oak barrels, of which 30% were new, where malolactic conversion took place before being aged for 14 months.