From: Cunaco, Valle Del Rapel, Chile
Varietals: 85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Sauvignon Gris
Tasting Notes & Critical Acclaim: “The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Grand Selección is sourced from several vineyards in the Central Valley. Yellow in hue, it presents aromas of lime, mint and yellow pepper with a faint hint of asparagus hint. Dry and rich, with a mild and fatty mouthfeel, it lingers on the citrus tones.” — 91 Points, Vinous, Jul 2024
“A floral Sauvignon Blanc here that also shows restraint. Limes, white blossoms and a touch of nectarines. Bone-dry and textured on the palate with bright acidity. Good weight in the middle. Nothing showy here. Pithy and gastronomic.” — 92 Points, James Suckling, Feb 2024
Pairing: For traditional seafood options, try classic oysters on the half shell, where the wine’s lime and mint aromas enhance the briny freshness of the oysters, or a delicate ceviche, where the citrus tones of the wine complement the tangy marinade. A grilled shrimp salad with lime and mint will echo the wine’s citrusy brightness, while its subtle nectarine notes make it an ideal pairing for a peach and burrata salad with a drizzle of olive oil. The wine’s dry, textured palate pairs nicely with a goat cheese tart, allowing the wine’s acidity to cut through the highlighting of the cheese. For a more robust pairing, an herb-crusted grilled chicken will match the wine’s weight in the mid-palate, while the asparagus hint makes it a great companion to roasted asparagus with lemon zest. Finally, try a quinoa salad with fresh herbs and a citrus vinaigrette for a lighter vegetarian option, which highlights the Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp and pithy profile.
Pearl Couscous Salad With Shrimp and Feta
By Yossy Arefi
About. Lapostolle, founded in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet, represents a seamless marriage of French winemaking expertise and the untapped potential of Chilean terroir. With a heritage dating back to 1827, when the Bournet-Lapostolle family first began crafting fine spirits and wines, Lapostolle has evolved into one of the most recognized and esteemed wineries in Chile, a country with which the family instantly fell in love during their visit to the Apalta Valley.
The unique geographical characteristics of Chile, especially the Apalta Valley, captivated Alexandra and Cyril, who quickly realized the region’s potential to produce high-quality wines. This vision propelled them to establish Lapostolle as a pioneer in Chile's wine industry, blending traditional French winemaking techniques with Chile's rich natural resources. Today, their son, Charles de Bournet, carries on the family legacy, leading the estate with the same unwavering commitment to quality that once made Grand Marnier a global sensation.
The Apalta Valley, home to Lapostolle's three vineyards—Clos Apalta, Clos du Lican, and Saint Joseph—forms the foundation for the winery’s exceptional range of wines. Each vineyard is a testament to the region’s diverse landscape and unique geological history. The Clos Apalta Vineyard, for instance, is cradled by the horseshoe-shaped hills of the Cordillera de la Costa and the Tinguiririca River, its soils rooted in ancient granitic and granodioritic formations from the Cretaceous period. The challenging north-south exposure and angular, well-decomposed stones provide ideal conditions for vines to thrive. Meanwhile, the Clos du Lican and Saint Joseph vineyards contribute their distinct terroirs, defined by southern exposures and gentle slopes, to Lapostolle’s mosaic of wines, which include varietals like Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah.
