Celebrating International Carménère Day with Clos Apalta Carménère

International Carménère Day on November 24, 2023 calls for a special Carménère. I have selected Clos Apalta Carmenère to celebrate. Before I introduce the winery, the wine and suggest possible pairings, I will share a little on the significance of Carménère, and how I first learnt about it in 2009. 

Apalta Valley Views, Clos Apalta Winery © Spaswinefood 

Significance of Chilean Carménère 

A recent Wine Enthusiast article noted that regions like Apalta, Marchigüe, Peumo and Maipo Andes are among the hot spots for top Carménère wines. Carménère came to Chile in the mid-1800s from Médoc region of Bordeaux, where it was used in Bordeaux blends. Carménère, one of the older European grape varietals, is thought to have been planted it in Bordeaux vineyards by the ancient Romans.  It is almost impossible to find Carménère in France today, as phylloxera in 1867 nearly destroyed all the vineyards, afflicting the Carménère grapevines in particular, such that the grape was presumed extinct. The variety thrived Chile but was mistaken for Merlot. In the 1990's it was discovered that about 1/3 of what was thought to be Merlot was actually Carménère.

My Introduction to Chilean Carmenère

November 2009 we crossed into Northern Chile at Arica where we rested for a few days, got car insurance and stocked up on supplies. We got a wonderful introduction to Chilean wines as we traveled south on Ruta 5 (Pan-American Highway), through the Atacama Desert to Central Chile's wine region. Colchagua Valley was our first introduction to Chile's wine regions. The Colchagua Valley, located 80 miles south west of Santiago is one of Chile's best-known wine regions. The Colchagua Valley is within the Rapel Valley, which is within the larger Central Valley wine region of Chile. The Colchagua Valley is especially well known for its Cabernet, Carménére, Syrah and Malbec. Visiting wineries in the Colchagua Valley was the first time I heard of Carménére and it being mistaken for Merlot. Since that introduction in 2009 I have enjoyed many Carménére wines from different Chilean producers.

Tropic of Capricorn, just north of Antofagasta, 2009 © Spaswinefood

GPS reading at Tropic of Capricorn, 23/11/2009 © Spaswinefood

When we returned to Colchagua Valley in 2020 Clos Apalta was at the top of our list.

Clos Apalta Winery

Gazing out over Chile's Colchagua Valley from Clos Apalta winery is amazing. This is one of the most stunning wineries in Chile. The winery was designed by renowned Chilean architect Roberto Benavente Riquelme. Clos Apalta is a gravity-fed winery with six levels that are built into the mountainside. Its architecturally impressive winery design and spectacular setting, are indeed fitting for a winery, which is home to some of the world’s most prestigious wines.

Clos Apalta Winery, Colchagua Valley, 2020 © Spaswinefood 

Charles-Henri de Bournet Manier Lapostolle, President and CEO, describes Clos Apalta as being his mother's dream of crafting the perfect wine. This dream led her (Alexandra Manier Lapostolle of Grand Marnier fame) and her husband to the Apalta Valley in 1994 where the family founded Lapostolle Wines. Today Apalta Valley is not only home to Clos Apalta, but also some of the Chile's most famous producers, including Montes and Casa Lapostolle (also owned by the Marnier Lapostolle family).

Taking in the Views, Clos Apalta Winery, 2020 © Spaswinefood

Clos Apalta is located in the Apalta Valley, a sub-region within Chile's Colchagua Valley, which is considered amongst the best regions for red wine production. The winery sits on the mountainside in the midst of century-old, biodynamically farmed vineyards.   

Clos Apalta, Valle de Apalta, 2020 © Spaswinefood

Often when I visit a winery I skip the tour however, this is not a winery where you should skip the tour. You need to see this winery's very unique design, and also view how they go about producing their wines. This winery was built to produce its iconic Clos Apalta Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. At the Clos Apalta winery they produce two wines Clos Apalta, and Le Petit Clos. It was well worth the time to see where and how these very special wines are produced.

Clos Apalta Vineyard, 2020 © Spaswinefood

The Colchagua Valley wine region has undergone many changes since my first visit to the area in 2009. Clos Apalta is no exception. Upon entry to Clos Apalta we drove through the vineyards towards the winery on the hillside. Their vineyards have been certified as organic since 2009.

Valley View, Clos Apalta Vineyard © Spaswinefood

It is here in the Clos Apalta vineyard that some the most impressive South American wines originate. Apalta Valley wines are highly sought-after. Most of these wines are produced from the classic varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Syrah. In addition, Rhône and Bordeaux red grape varieties, such as Merlot, Petit Verdot and Mourvèdre are also used. 

Summer Grapevines, Clos Apalta Vineyard, 2020 © Spaswinefood

During that summer drive through the vineyard we passed grapes awaiting the 2020 harvest. Grapes used in the making of Clos Alpata wines are sourced from non-grafted wines planted in the 1920's.
After driving through the vineyard, off we went to the winery. 

Turn Left to Clos Apalta Winery © Spaswinefood

Upon arrival at the winery we were taken to the top to look over the beautiful Apalta Valley.

Late Summer View, Apalta Valley © Spaswinefood

After observing the vineyards next, we went inside to tour the winery. Upon entering there is a spiral  stairwell, with a pendulum hung from the ceiling above.

Pendulum, Clos Apalta © Spaswinefood

As you enter the stairs to go down the pendulum string descends down the center of the spiral staircase.

Sprial Stairs, Clos Apalta © Spaswinefood

We followed the stairwell down. Eventually we arrive at the bottom of the stairwell. At the bottom there is a display of the bedrock found on the property.

Clos Apalta © Spaswinefood

On the walk down to the barrel room and tasting area we stopped to observe the large vats used in the  initial stage of the winemaking process.

Fermentation Area, Clos Apalta © Spaswinefood

The grapes are hand harvested and de-stemed. Then Clos Apalta wines are fermented in large oak vats before aging in new oak barrels for around two years. They use minimal intervention in the winemaking process. Moreover, the wines are not filtered hence preserving their flavors.

Large Vats & Oak Barrels, Clos Apalta © Spaswinefood

New Oak Barrels, Clos Apalta © Spaswinefood

Once the wine is stored in the new oak barrels then it is off to the barrel room to begin the aging process.

Clos Apalta Wines
Finally, we arrive in stunning designed barrel room where we did a wine tasting.

Barrel Room, Clos Apalta © Spaswinefood

Glasses in a Row, Clos Apalta © Spaswinefood

Glasses Waiting, Clos Apalta © Spaswinefood

Then of course we tasted amazing Clos Apalta's handcrafted wines. Clos Apalta wines showcase the terroir of the amazing Apalta Valley while also modeling excellence, elegance and character.

Through the Wine Glass, Clos Apalta © Spaswinefood

We began our wine tasting with a Petit Clos.

Clos Apalta, Le Petit Clos 2014 

Clos Apalta, Le Petit Clos 2014 © Spaswinefood

Clos Apalta, Le Petit Clos 2014 © Spaswinefood

Clos Apalta, Valle De Apalta 2016

Clos Apalta, Valle De Apalta 2016 © Spaswinefood

These wines can best be described as excellence in a glass. I must admit that savoring these wines in my glass during the tasting was hard to do. Perhaps it is no surprise that Apalta wines get top marks from reviewers. 

Before leaving the winery I took a peek into the wine cellar.

Clos Apalta Cellar © Spaswinefood

Of course one can dream of a cellar such as this one. Our tour did not include a cellar visit however, we did drop by their wineshop. Before leaving I managed to pick up a few bottles for later. Let me introduce you to two of the wines.

Clos Apalta Wines © Spaswinefood

Both of the above Clos Aplata wines are Bordeaux style blends of Carménère.

Clos Apalta 2012

Clos Apalta 2012 is a blend of 66% Carménère, 19% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

Clos Apalta 2012 © Spaswinefood

Clos Apalta 2016

Clos Apalta 2016 is a blend of 64%  Carménère, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot 

Clos Apalta 2016 © Spaswinefood

These are the wines that I have chosen for celebration.

Clos Apalta  2012 & 2016 Wines © Spaswinefood

Pairing Suggestions

Carménère pairs best with lean but meaty dishes such as Lamb with Mushrooms, Pork Tacos, Turkey, Beef Stew, Pasta with Meat Sauce, Tuna Steak or grilled chicken. It is also excellent with veggies, such as, eggplant, cauliflower, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. 

A Chef's Take on Eggplant © Spaswinefood

Of course there are many ways to do Mushrooms.

Mushroom Appetizer © Spaswinefood

Mushroom Plate © Spaswinefood

Carménère goes with pizza. Chilean Carménère, with its full ripe red fruit characteristics, balanced acidity and earthy spicy finish, fits the flavor profile of cheeses, sauce and mushrooms. 

Cheese Pizza © Spaswinefood

Of course Veggie and Mushroom Pizzas

Veggie Pizza © Spaswinefood

Veggie Pizza © Spaswinefood

Mushroom Pizza © Spaswinefood

Mushroom Pizza © Spaswinefood

YES also works with - flatbread, empanadas, and calzones too. 

 Mushroom Flatbread © Spaswinefood

Carménère goes well with the South American dish, Pastel de Choclo.  You might be interested in Pastel de Choclo (Vegetarian).

For further pairing ideas see:

• https://unravelingwine.com/carmenere-food-pairing/
• https://vinyang.com/blog/carmenere-food-pairing (great overview)
• https://www.i-winereview.com/FoodWinePairingAdventures/1003pairingCarmenere.php
• https://www.dcanterwines.com/blogs/wine-life/what-to-eat-when-craving-carmenere/
• https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/carmenere-wine-guide/

Clos Apalta Carménère wines offers an extra-ordinary vine-filled experience. I was so fortunate to have visited Clos Apalta during our 2020 Colchagua Valley stay. These days I can relive this experience virtually, and it is even better with Clos Apalta Carménère wines. I invite you to join me in my travels in Chile and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. 

Sharon

Let's celebrate International Carménère Day 

November 2023

© Spaswinefood

Clos Apalta  © Spaswinefood

Straight Ahead to Clos Apalta Residence © Spaswinefood

For those look for a very special wine country experience accommodation at the family's private residence at Clos Alpata is available. The Los Alpata Private Residence includes a gourmet restaurant. Guests will have the opportunity to tour Clos Alpata Winery and visit the family's private wine cellar. Other services, such as visiting others Colchagua Valley wineries, can also be arranged. 

Remembering 2009 Pan-American Travels

November 2009 we reached Chile on our Pan-American Highway journey from Deadhorse in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina. After Erica one of our stops at Tres Playitas near Huasco, Chile.

Camping at Tres Playitas, Chile 2009 © Spaswinefood

Casa Lapostolle Viña

2009 we visited the beautiful Casa Lapostolle Viña where we enjoyed tasting their  wines. Casa Lapostolle Viña is owned by Marnier Lapostolle family, founders and owners of the licquer Grand Marnier. Lapostolle's environmental philosophy includes a comprehensive plan for organic and biodynamic farming and certification of practice.Years later, I would not fail to pick up a 2009 Carménère.

Casa Lapostolle, Carmenere Rapel Valley 2009 © Spaswinefood

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

Carménère lovers checkout these posts on the celebration on Carmenere Day #WorldWineTravel

https://www.crushedgrapechronicles.com/chilean-carmenere-and-charquican-to-celebrate-carmenere-day-worldwinetravel/?fbclid=IwAR0l54IAmvFgiV1B-o5Z1prJc-BuyRk9mXjetxePbp5beQZ8XDlLfQxKans

https://www.culinarycam.com/post/carménère-pairings?fbclid=IwAR08TjUQrbeTp2Wiwc-e-HwvMyzSo6hO1t3REhGp1dSOThw_oaRe2J_7zv8

https://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/2023/11/churasco-and-carmenere-perfect-match.html?fbclid=IwAR1tQ_A4XXs8B_-cLnp5yNcBtmHo6a4rdDvJClb6axMmQnE47QadqPSrlsU

https://enofylzwineblog.com/2023/11/24/delving-into-the-rich-world-of-chilean-carmenere-worldwinetravel/?fbclid=IwAR0F6s20qvOKPXpO6Bu_kYVkZm_T61UyAmbxGyeSbs4GEzxhfkE4TRhSw8Y

https://cookingchatfood.com/carmenere-food-pairing/?fbclid=IwAR272X7_NPIFGXM8eSw-gU9z-j7jMLXA-Zd72FRE-wYevsHv25soRjgmXec

https://winepredator.com/2023/11/24/from-lost-to-found-in-chile-intro-to-6-carmenere-what-to-pair-chilean-beef-stew-chimichurri-chicken-squash-worldwinetravel/#comment-33102