Colchagua
“La Roblería Vineyard” Apalta, Colchagua—170 acres; Planted in 1999.
Apalta is the source for the Syrah and Carmenere grapes used in Ventisquero´s Icon Wines, Pangea and Vertice. Head Winemaker Felipe Tosso and consultant John Duval (formerly Head Winemaker of Penfolds in Australia) consider this site to be the “jewel” in Colchagua´s Crown.
Located at the foot of a south – facing mountain range with an elevation of 650 – 1600 feet above sea level and just a short distance from the tinguiririca river, the Apalta Valley is characterised by a microclimate perfect to growing premium grapes. Soil types range from rocky- sand to red cley, the latter wich is ideal for Syrah and Merlot. Winter temperatures are between 35 – 60° F. The valley recieves about 26 inches of rainfall between May and September, and drip irrigation sustains the vines during the long, dry summer season when temperarures are between 55-85°F.
Varieties planted: Cabernet Saubignon 65 acres; Syrah 54 acres; Carmenere 21 acres; Merlot 21 acres.
Colchagua
“El Suspiro Vineyard” Peralillo, Colchagua Valley—1630 acres; Planted in 1999.
Situated 500 feet above sea level adjacent to the Tinguiririca river, this vineyard benefits from the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean wich is only 25 miles away . Average annual retail is 24 inches, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are particularly situated to the site´s sandy loam soils wich are of volcanic origin.
Varieties planted: Cabernet Saubignon 956 acres; Syrah 188 acres; Carmenere 235 acres; Merlot 87 acres; Cabernet Franc 58 acres; Sangiovese 14 acres; Tintorera 36 acres; Petit Verdot 37 acres; Chardonnay 136 acres; Sauvignon Blanc 82 acres; Gewürztraminer 6 acres; Viogner 15 acres.
Maipo
“Trinidad Vineyard” Maipo—1038 acres; Planted in 1998.
The Trinidad vineyard was the first vineyard planted by Ventisquero. The grapes greatly benefit from diurnal temperature to retain a refreshing, natural acidity from the influences of the cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean.
Varieties planted Trinidad vineyard: Cabernet Sauvignon 466 acres; Syrah 191 acres; Merlot184 acres; Carmenere 119 acres; Chardonnay 42 acres; Sauvignon Blanc 38 acres.
Casablanca
“Tapihue vineyard” Casablanca—570 acres; Planted in 2000.
The Casablanca valley climate is moderated by coastal breezes that cool the warm summer temperatures, creating ideal conditions for slow ripening of berries, allowing the fruit to preserve their delicate flavors and aromas. Located 50 miles from Santiago and a short distance from the Pacific Ocean, this valley receives aproximateley 20 inches of rainfall during the winter months from May through September. Poor, finely – textured sandy alluvial soils retain minimal moisture, naturally restricting yields ( approximately 3.6 tons per acre)resulting in high quality grapes with concentrated varietals.
Varieties planted: Cardonnay 249 acres; Sauvignon Blanc 261 acres; Pinot Noir 57 acres.
