Laberinto 2023 'Cenizas' Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Colbun

Vineyard Notes: This manually harvested, single vineyard, 100% estate Sauvignon Blanc is from vines that Rafael Tirado planted himself in 1993. The vineyard is planted to volcanic soils in the foothills of the Andes, on the slopes above Lake Colbun. These Andean soils were formed from volcanic ash ('ceniza') accumulated over thousands of years. Laberinto practices both regenerative and organic viticulture, and this is apparent in the incredibly biodiverse ecosystems in their vineyards. Rafael also plays with different exposures in his vineyards, in a desire to achieve a complexity in the wines, coming from grapes that have experienced a range exposures to sun, wind, temperature, and shade.

Vintage Notes: The 2022 season was marked by a very rainy winter and spring compared to previous years. In addition the summer was colder than normal, which caused a slow and delayed ripening process. It was the first variety to be harvested starting at the end of February. Characterized by very high acidity and low pH, both favored by the perfect condition of good growth in the green stage and calm at the time of fruit ripening. Yields were 1.2 kg per plant.

Winemaking Notes: After a 6-hour maceration, grapes are fermented with selected and native yeasts. The wine ages on the lees for 6 months before being bottled, unfiltered.

Tasting Notes: This Sauvignon Blanc has a bright nose with Guava, passion fruit, and lemon leading to a mineral mid palate and soft undertones of crushed rock. The volcanic ash from the vineyard adds to this minerality and sustained finish.