Appellation Article

Puente Alto

Last edited on 9/21/2011 by Joelene
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Don Melchor became the maximum expression of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. Produced in Puente Alto, in the Alto Maipo Valley at 650 m (2,132 ft) above sea level, it is recognized at the international level as one of the best in the world. It also places Chile among the world’s great producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. (producer website).

The country is Chile, the region is Maipo Valley, and the vineyard is Puente Alto ('high point' - lit. high bridge), near the town of the same name. The area under vine here does not seem to be given in the literature, but there is a heavy selection at every stage by the winemaking team. Picking is by hand and the bunches are picked during several passes to provide optimally ripe fruit in this hot, dry region.

The Maipo Valley drains a volcanic region and a volcano of the same name, so volcanic influences are to be expected in the soil, but again, not much is written about the soil structure, although the wines are said to be very distinctive as to terroir.

The vineyard is replanted at between 50 and 100 years of age. The Cabernet franc vineyard used in some years was planted I think in about 1998, and its surface is 10 ha.jht
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