Caliterra Tributo Shiraz Case

ABV 14%

Colchagua Valley

Grapes 86% Shiraz, 8% Malbec 4% Merlot 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyards

Viña Caliterra is located in the heart of Colchagua, a protected valley southeast of Lago Rapel and adjoining the Apalta Valley, 150 meters above sea level (500 feet a.s.l.), 200 km (125 miles) south of Santiago and 60 km (37 miles) from the Pacific Coast. The estate has approximately 1,085 ha (2,681 acres) with approximately 75% of cultivated land.  A Mediterranean climate, where cool nights and gentle breezes temper the sun's energy create perfectly ripe and balanced wines. The plantations started in 1997, with 210 ha (518.5 acres) of Merlot, Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec and Viognier. Of the initial plantations, 55 ha (136 acres) of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Carmenère are in transition to organic viticulture. The valley's climate is characterized by winter rains and the strong influence of the cool breezes blowing from Lago Rapel and the Pacific Ocean. Hillside plantings have been introduced to reap more of the estate's potential. 32 ha (79 acres) were added to the initial vineyards in 2005 and 46 ha (113.6 acres) of hillside Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Carménère were added during 2008, for a total of 288 planted ha (711.1 acres). Rocks are abundant in the estate's medium textured soils that range from clay-loam to sandy-loam, making it possible to obtain wines of different tipicities. All the vines are in vertical shoot position trellising and are cane pruned.

Winemaking

In this vintage  we started using the Polygonal Harvest System, this process allows us to obtain first class grapes. With the use of new technologies systems and satellite infrared photos, we are able to find the level of maturity from each vine and group them in specific polygons and harvest homogenous fruit at optimal ripeness. After harvest, an important percentage of the grapes went under a cold soak process, previous to fermentation to enhance the colour of the blend and extract soft tannins. Fermentation started at 28º Celsius and was later decreased, with the idea to avoid extraction of skin elements. The wine aged in oak barrels, 32% American and 68% French, for a period of fourteen months. In this phase, malolactic fermentation took place.

Winemaker’s Comments

Our Tributo Shiraz  is very deep and intense in colour. In aromas, intense cacao and raspberry notes intermingle with a strong vanilla cream sensation. On the palate, this soft and delicate wine has sweet notes that merge with the eductive aromas finishing in a long, complex and elegant sensation.