Noble Semillon 500ml 2020

Located in the Colchagua Valley, in the heart of Chile's O'Higgins wine region, the Viu Manent vineyard benefits from a Mediterranean climate tempered by the Pacific Ocean and the proximity of the Andes Mountains. The Semillon grapes for this cuvée come from the estate's historic plots, planted in well-drained alluvial and clay-loam soils, which promote slow ripening and aromatic concentration. This terroir, renowned for its quality wines, allows for a natural balance of freshness, richness, and complexity.

The Sémillon grapes are hand-harvested at advanced ripeness, with meticulous selection of botrytized berries directly in the vineyard. After gentle pressing, the must is clarified and then undergoes a slow fermentation at low temperature to preserve the aromatic intensity and purity of the fruit. The wine is then aged in tanks and barrels on its fine lees for several months, with regular stirring, to develop texture, complexity, and a balance of richness, freshness, and natural sweetness.

This wine reveals notes of dried apricot , candied peach , and orange zest , complemented by floral touches of acacia honey and white flowers , as well as spicy nuances of saffron and ginger , underpinned by a light vanilla oak character. The palate is smooth and full, supported by a balanced acidity that prevents any heaviness, with a velvety texture, beautiful concentration, and a long, fresh, and flavorful finish.

It was Hernán Cortés who ordered the cultivation of vines upon the conquest of Mexico in 1524. It gradually spread from Mexico southward, reaching Chile in 1555. During the first three centuries of colonization, only país, a characterless and very productive black grape variety, was cultivated in Chile. It was not until the mid-19th century that noble varieties were introduced: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, mainly. Twenty years later, winemaking was modernized under the impetus of wealthy landowners and French experts who had been forced out of work by phylloxera in Europe. Chile stretches 4,300 kilometers from north to south. It is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Andes Mountains to the east, the Atacama Desert to the north, and the Patagonian plains and glaciers to the south. These natural barriers prevented phylloxera from entering the country. Although the country is only 160 kilometers wide, it enjoys ideal conditions for growing grape varieties from warm, intermediate, and cool regions, so much so that it is often described as a vineyard paradise. With nearly 300 estates producing bottled wines, Chile ranks between 6th and 8th in the world.