Viña Don Melchor has recently unveiled a groundbreaking single parcel wine series, marking a significant evolution in its 35-year legacy of crafting exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. This innovative initiative aims to deepen consumer appreciation for the intricate 'terroir' that defines its iconic wines, offering a rare glimpse into the unique attributes of individual vineyard plots. The inaugural release, DM/01 vintage 2022, represents a meticulous selection from the esteemed Parcel #01, which has historically contributed to the core blend's finesse and aromatic complexity. This strategic move not only diversifies Don Melchor's esteemed portfolio but also serves as an educational bridge, connecting enthusiasts more intimately with the nuanced art of winemaking in the distinguished Puente Alto region.
This new venture underscores Don Melchor's unwavering commitment to innovation while honoring its rich heritage. By isolating and bottling the distinct expressions of specific parcels, the winery provides an unparalleled opportunity to savor the individual building blocks that collectively form the grandeur of Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon. This approach not only caters to the evolving desires of wine connoisseurs seeking exclusive and distinctive offerings but also reinforces the brand's position at the forefront of Chilean winemaking, celebrating the singular beauty and diversity inherent in its renowned vineyard landscape.
Embracing the Micro-Parcel Philosophy
Viña Don Melchor's introduction of its first single plot wine in over three decades highlights a commitment to the micro-parcel concept, which is fundamental to the character of its flagship Cabernet. The inaugural DM/01 vintage 2022, an exclusive run of merely 500 bottles, signifies a pivotal moment for a brand previously focused on a singular, celebrated wine. This new series is not intended as a 'second wine' but rather as a complementary addition, showcasing the exceptional quality of specific parcels that might otherwise be integrated into the main blend. The decision to release wines from individual parcels is driven by their outstanding and distinct expressions in particular vintages, allowing for a deeper exploration of the vineyard's diverse 'terroir'.
The essence of Don Melchor's complexity and distinctiveness is rooted in its parcel-based viticulture. The 120-hectare vineyard in Puente Alto, once managed as a monolithic entity, has been meticulously segmented into 151 subplots following extensive soil analyses. This meticulous segmentation acknowledges the varied geological compositions across the vineyard, from differing topsoil depths to diverse stone and clay elements, all of which influence root development and grape expression. By vinifying each parcel separately, the winery produces approximately 220 distinct wines annually, which are then expertly blended to achieve the desired complexity of Don Melchor. This new single parcel series offers consumers a unique opportunity to taste these individual components, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate craftsmanship and the profound influence of 'terroir' on the final wine. The selection for annual release will be based on the best-performing parcel of that specific vintage, allowing for dynamic and authentic expressions of the vineyard's rich mosaic.
Showcasing Puente Alto's Distinctive Terroir
The micro-parcel strategy is central to capturing the authentic essence of Puente Alto's Cabernet Sauvignon, serving as a testament to the region's remarkable 'terroir'. The vineyard's mosaic of Andean soils, characterized by varying depths and compositions of topsoil, clay, and stones, directly influences the vine's development and the wine's ultimate expression. This geological diversity means each corner of the vineyard possesses its own unique identity, necessitating tailored management approaches rather than uniform practices. This meticulous attention to individual plot characteristics ensures that the complexity and distinctiveness of Don Melchor are maximized, reflecting the full potential of Puente Alto.
The oldest parcel, Parcel #01, planted in 1979 with pre-phylloxera massal selection, embodies the authentic legacy of Viña Don Melchor. Its powerful and distinctive character in the 2022 vintage led to its selection for the inaugural DM/01 release. Wines from this parcel are renowned for their intense red fruit aromas, floral notes, freshness, elegance, and silky tannins, contributing significantly to the finesse and balance of the main Don Melchor blend. In contrast, other parcels, like #03, #04, and #06, offer more mineral or graphite-like notes, demonstrating the vast spectrum of expressions within the vineyard. This new series also aims to engage a new generation of consumers and those seeking exclusive products, with modern packaging featuring a QR code for detailed parcel information. This innovative release, consisting of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc, aged 15 months in French oak, will initially be available in Chile, with global distribution planned for later this year, further cementing Don Melchor's position as a global leader in premium wine.