Los Molles
Limari Valley.
The Limari Valley is located along the northern coast of Chile, 249 miles north from Santiago. Limari has a moderate maritime climate due to the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean with an abundance of clear skies and very low rainfall.
Many of the vinayards in Chile are planted in the valleys formed in between the Andes and the coastal mountain range. The mountain range surrounding the sea front effectively blocks the oceanic influence minimizing its effect further inland.
Los Molles Vineyard is uniquely planted on the slopes and creeks of the coastal mountain range next to the Maldonado Natural Park allowing for a significant maritime influence. Every morning the Pacific Ocean’s cooling fog creeps into the vineyard from the west. As the land heats up inland and hot air rises, cool air is drawn off the ocean to cover the land with its winds and moderating temperatures.
Here, in the border with the Fray Jorge National Park, Guillermo Luksic found not only a very unique microclimate but also one of the most exceptional soils in the country. Here the soils are very rich in limestone with some pockets of granite, the product of volcanic activity followed by glacial and river movements.
The unfertile soils produce low yields, which allow the aromas and colors to concentrate in the grapes. These unique soil conditions allow for nice freshness and minerality to the wine as well as great structure, resulting in wines very different from what you can find in other parts of the country.
Twenty acres have been planted in the mountain slopes and creeks overlooking the Pacific Ocean with these unique soils and microclimate. The less than 4 inches of rainfall per year force the vines to dig deep their roots into the mineral-rich soil.
Additionally Limari’s moderate climate permits a long season with bud breaks starting almost one month before parts of the hotter Central Valleys. This longer ripening period contribute to produce increased aromatic intensity and complexity.
The combination of structure and freshness in the wines is impressive. Acidification is not needed in Los Molles due to the combined effect of the limestone soils and the cooling influence of the Ocean.
Felipe Muller, the winemaker, was instrumental in finding the Los Molles Vineyard. Previously to working in Limari Felipe worked in the Loire Valley in France where he had the opportunity to experience first hand the results of a maritime climate and limestone soils to make quality wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Alto Maipo 2009
Pinot Noir Reserva Especial 2009
Chardonnay Reserva Especial 2009
