SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011
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Appellation: Valle de Aconcagua
Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol: 13.5 % by vol.
PH: 3.26
Total Acidity: 6.15 gr/l, (tartaric acid)
Residual Sugar: 1.25 g/l

VINEYARD
Chilhué is a 1,047 hectare (2,587 acre) estate whose name means "place of seagulls" in Chile's indigenous language. The vineyard was planted in 2005 in an area of rolling hills just 12 km (7.5 miles) from the Pacific Ocean. Due to its proximity to the sea, temperatures are slightly cooler than usual and average approximately 18.9°C (66°F) in January. The Chilhue vineyard is located over old metamorphic coastal rocks, primarily slate or schist. These rocks generate surface fractures that are usually horizontal and generate root systems that extend deep between the rocks in a stair-like manner. The surface soils above the rock are essentially sandy clay with the presence of fractured micro-rocks that improve porosity. The vineyard's morphology is classic, with steep slopes with 5 to 30% gradients. The vineyard's altitude ranges from 100 to 300 m (328–985 ft) above sea level and its soils consist of a thin (40–80 cm deep) layer of loam overlaying rocky clay subsoil. These unique features are ideal for growing cold climate grape varieties. At present, 21.5 hectares (53 acres) have been planted with drip-irrigated, vertically trained Sauvignon Blanc clones 1, 107, 376 and 242.

Climate: Rainfall is limited to the winter months. Summer days are moderately warm, with early morning fog and cool afternoon breezes.

Soils: A thin loamy layer over a rocky-clay substrate.

VINTAGE NOTES
Picking Date: March 14– 24

Historic averages
• Mean temperature (October–April): 16.5°C/62°F
• Temperature oscillation (October-April): 13.8°C/25°F
• Rainfall (year-round): 354 mm/14 in

A mild winter resulted in an early budbreak at our Aconcagua Costa property (late July in the highest zones), but temperatures fell again in early September, which delayed shoot growth. High, low, and mean temperatures were approximately 1.8°C/3.2°F lower than those at the same time the previous year. The vines evolved as they did the previous season. Mean temperatures in April, however, were lower than in the previous season,which meant that harvest began one week later than the previous year. No frost was recorded during the growing season. The final heat summation was 1,158 degree days, 41 fewer than in 2010. In regard to production, colder than usual temperatures in November affected fruit set, resulting in yields that were 25% below those expected for the white varieties. This resulted in a harvest of very high quality, concentration, and fruit expression with very healthy grapes that led to an extremely expressive, citrusy, herbal and crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

VINIFICATION
The grapes were hand picked early in the morning and then carefully transported to the winery in small, 14-kg (30-lb) boxes. The grapes were cold soaked for 6 hours at 10°C (50°F) before being crushed to enhance mouthfeel and aromatic expression. To ensure the wine fully expressed the typicity and verve of Sauvignon Blanc, almost all of the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks at 12°–15°C (53°–59°F), with just 2% fermented in multiple-use French oak barrels to gain more complexity and lend more volume to the palate. Specially selected yeasts were used to enhance aromatic compounds in cold temperature conditions. All steps of the process were monitored carefully to prevent the grapes' exposure to oxygen and preserve their natural mineral flavours and nerve.

WINEMAKER'S COMMENTS
This Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc from Aconcagua Costa has a straw-yellow colour with green highlights. With extraordinary aromatic intensity, the wine is a true reflection of its terroir and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Its mineral notes are accompanied by green chilli, tomato leaf, and fresh herbal tones and a sharp aromatic intensity. A refreshing mineral palate and crisp acidity make this wine a fine example of this cold climate variety, which also offers liveliness and exotic fruit for an enjoyably lengthy finish.