Lapostolle
History and Background
Casa Lapostolle, established in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet in the Colchagua Valley of Chile, has rapidly gained recognition for its high-quality wines. The winery blends French expertise with Chilean terroir, focusing on producing wines that reflect the purity and diversity of the region. Lapostolle's dedication to sustainable practices and innovation has solidified its position as a leading name in the New World wine scene.
Vineyards and Terroir
Lapostolle's vineyards are situated in the Colchagua Valley of Chile, covering approximately 370 hectares:
Soil Composition: The soils are a mix of granite, clay, and loam, contributing to the richness and complexity of the wines.
Grape Varieties: The estate cultivates Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, and Merlot, producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Colchagua Valley.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Lapostolle's wines are celebrated for their finesse and complexity, showcasing vibrant fruit profiles of blackcurrant, plum, and subtle spices, interlaced with nuances of tobacco and cedar. These wines are recognized for their full body, seamlessly integrating brisk acidity and robust tannins, which contribute to their notable capacity for aging.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Lapostolle is firmly committed to exhibiting the distinct character of its vineyards through a harmonious combination of traditional methods and modern innovation. The winery adheres to sustainable and organic farming practices to maintain the health of the vineyard and environment. Key practices include hand-harvesting and selective green harvesting, critical for achieving the best expression of fruit and optimal ripeness.
- Influence on Style and Quality: The meticulous attention to vineyard management and winemaking techniques significantly shapes the style and quality of Lapostolle’s wines. The deliberate use of nan enhances the freshness and structural backbone of the wines, ensuring they remain balanced and complex. Aging the wines in French oak barrels imparts additional layers of complexity and sophistication. This conscientious approach guarantees that each bottle reflects the estate's dedication to producing distinguished and enduring wines.
Reputation
Lapostolle is highly regarded in the world of winemaking, known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Founded in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, the French-Chilean winery quickly established itself as a leading producer of premium wines. The winery gained international acclaim with its Clos Apalta wine, consistently admired and rated highly by critics, signifying its prestige in the wine industry.
One unique aspect of Lapostolle is its dedication to biodynamic farming practices, which reflects its commitment to sustainability and harmony with nature. This approach not only promotes ecological balance but also aims to enhance the quality of the wine by focusing on the meticulous care of its vineyards.
Additionally, the winery is renowned for emphasizing the purity of fruit and elegant expression of terroir, utilizing the natural characteristics of its Chilean vineyard sites to produce wines with unique complexity and depth. The architectural design of its facilities also sets Lapostolle apart, featuring a gravity-flow winery that minimizes mechanical intervention during production.
The convergence of French winemaking techniques with the distinctive terroir of Chile allows Lapostolle to create unique, high-quality wines that have positioned the winery as a distinguished name in both the domestic and international wine markets.
Final Thoughts
Lapostolle, founded in 1994 by the French family behind the renowned liqueur Grand Marnier, remarkably intertwines the rich winemaking heritage of France with the vibrant terroirs of Chile. Set in the Colchagua Valley, Lapostolle excels in producing exquisite high-quality wines, illustrating an unwavering commitment to sustainability and organic viticulture. Notably, their Clos Apalta wine, a complex blend with predominantly Carmenère and Merlot, has garnered international acclaim, including a prestigious accolade from Wine Spectator, which named a vintage of Clos Apalta the World's #1 Wine. This seal of approval firmly positions Lapostolle at the forefront of South American winemaking, showcasing their dedication to excellence and innovation in crafting wines that distinctly express their unique origin.