Clos Apalta

Clos Apalta sits within the Colchagua Valley, part of the broader Rapel Valley appellation in central Chile. The vineyard occupies a horseshoe-shaped amphitheater sheltered by native forests, spanning 160 total hectares with 48 hectares under active selection. Elevation ranges from 185 to 385 meters above sea level, and the surrounding hills, the Tinguiririca River, and Pacific Ocean breezes combine to create a semi-dry Mediterranean climate with meaningful diurnal temperature variation.

• Horseshoe-shaped amphitheater naturally protects the vineyard from excessive heat and wind
• Pacific Ocean breezes and the Tinguiririca River moderate temperatures and extend ripening
• Elevation range of 185 to 385 meters adds complexity through thermal variation
• Only 48 of 160 total hectares are selected for the estate wines

The terroir at Clos Apalta is defined by a contrast between valley floor and hillside soils. The lower sections feature alluvial sandy and clay loam soils, while the slopes are dominated by granitic and decomposed granite of Cretaceous origin. This geological variety contributes to the mineral character that distinguishes the wines, while the combination of soil types supports the Carmenère grape's need for warmth without sacrificing freshness.

• Valley floor: alluvial sandy and clay loam soils
• Hillside slopes: granitic and Cretaceous-era decomposed granite
• Mineral soil character translates directly into wine texture and finish
• Certified organic and biodynamic farming protects soil health and vine vitality

The vineyards are planted with Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Crucially, these vines were imported from Bordeaux in the early 1800s before the phylloxera crisis, meaning they grow on their own ungrafted rootstock, a rarity in the modern wine world. The oldest plantings date to 1915 through 1945, making these among the most historic Carmenère vineyards on earth. Old-vine Carmenère from ungrafted rootstock is widely regarded as one of the world's finest expressions of the variety.

• Carmenère leads the blends, supported by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot
• Ungrafted vines from pre-phylloxera Bordeaux cuttings imported in the early 1800s
• Oldest blocks planted between 1915 and 1945
• Le Petit Clos is the estate's second wine, made from younger-vine fruit

The Clos Apalta winery is built directly into the granite hillside, with six levels descending below ground. This design allows for entirely gravitational winemaking, eliminating the need for pumps that can damage delicate fruit and tannins. The estate was redeveloped starting in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier-Lapostolle and her family, with the first Clos Apalta vintage produced in 1997. Legendary Bordeaux consultant Michel Rolland has advised winemaking throughout the estate's modern era.

• Six-level underground winery built into the granite hillside uses only gravity throughout production
• Gravitational flow preserves fruit integrity and tannin quality
• Michel Rolland serves as consulting winemaker
• Redevelopment began in 1994; inaugural vintage released in 1997

Clos Apalta holds a unique place in South American wine history. The 2005 vintage was named Wine Spectator Wine of the Year in 2008, the first and only South American wine to achieve this distinction. The 2014 vintage earned 100 points from James Suckling, and the 2021 vintage repeated that perfect score while also receiving 98 points from Vinous. The estate received its official Denomination of Origin status in 2018, formally recognizing Apalta as a distinct winemaking zone within Colchagua Valley.

• First South American wine named Wine Spectator Wine of the Year (2005 vintage, awarded 2008)
• Two perfect 100-point scores from James Suckling: 2014 and 2021 vintages
• 2021 vintage earned 98 points from Vinous
• Apalta received official D.O. status in 2018