Cellar Profile
6th Generation winemakers, the Ossa family, purchased their first parcel of vines in Puemo, Cachapoal Valley in 1824, and are still bottling wines on the estate today. Using a fusion of the most modern techniques, as well as processes steeped in Chilean tradition, Viña la Rosa is one of the most highly-acclaimed Chilean wineries. Puemo is known as one of the best sites on earth for Carménère, and theirs is proof positive of that, with their top bottling, "La Rosa", displaying the complexity and power the variety can offer when given proper care. Currently under conversion to organic, they have a firm commitment to sustainability, particularly where it comes to their usage of water. Winemaker Gonzalo Carcamo has been at the helm since 2011 and has imprinted his own personal stamp on the wines. Elegance, acidity and fully developed tannins are his hallmarks. The climate is Mediterranean, close to the Pacific Ocean. Stiff breezes during the day and huge temperature shifts in the evenings cool the grapes and allow for a long, slow ripening of the skins. Already well known for producing affordable wines of exceeding quality, Gonzalo's premium, single vineyard offerings, which retain their price-to-quality ratio, are now the primary focus for the winery.
Region
Peumo is a highly regarded sub-appellation of the Cachapoal Valley. Following the corridor formed by the Cachapoal River, it is inland from the cool Pacific Ocean, allowing for more moderate temperatures than the coast. Its elevation and proximity to the high peaks of the Andes mean that there are huge diurnal temperature drops in the evenings to ensure acid balance. Most of the rains fall during the cool winter months, with frequent periods of drought during the extended growing season. The soils here have a fair amount of clay, with solid water retention, allowing wineries to dry farm if they wish to put the care in. Many of the finest examples of Carménère in the world can be found in this tiny appellation, as the long warm days and cool evenings allow for the long hang times needed to fully ripen these grapes.
Vineyard
Viña la Rosa's historic estate in Peumo, nestled in the Cachapoal Valley, is surrounded by the Chilean Coastal Range and privileged by a Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool nights.
Winemaking
Grapes are machine-harvested at night, while still cold, to preserve fresh fruit flavours. The must is macerated at 10°C for 5-8 hours to enhance varietal aromas. The alcoholic fermentation is carefully controlled at 14°C, to achieve clean, fresh and fruity flavours.
Tasting Notes
Fruity, fresh and clean nose with notes of grapefruit, gooseberries, green apples, tomato leaves, pepper and a background of gunpowder.Dry and crisp dry with citrus and ripe tropical fruit flavours. Serve at 10º-12ºC with salmon or shellfish, salads, or Thai food.
Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc originates from the French regions of Loire Valley and Bordeaux. The grape most likely gets its name from the French words sauvage ("wild") and blanc ("white") due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in South West France. Sauvignon Blanc often buds late but ripens early, which allows it to perform well in sunny climates when not exposed to overwhelming heat. This popular and unmistakable white is loved for its “green” herbal flavors and inherently high acidity. Sauvignon Blanc grows in nearly every wine making region on earth and is produced in a variety of methods resulting in a wide spectrum of styles that range from lean to bountiful.