Clos Apalta

Prelude

Chile, Cachapoal Valley

2023

Prelude
WBSS 2026 Crest Image

First released in 1997, Clos Apalta is a Chilean icon that has helped to cement carmenère's reputation as a grape worthy of fine wines. The 2023 vintage is a blend of 50% carmenère, 40% cabernet and 10% merlot made from old vine granitic plots in Colchagua's Apalta Valley dating back to 1907. It's a wine of elegance, structure and vibrant fruit character. Only a sirloin steak will do.

Prelude

Founded in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier‑Lapostolle and Cyril de Bournet, Clos Apalta has become one of Chile's most iconic fine‑wine estates, located in the dramatic Apalta Valley of Colchagua. The vineyard's horseshoe‑shaped amphitheatre, old vines (some pre‑phylloxera), and organic/biodynamic farming create ideal conditions for producing elegant, structured Bordeaux‑influenced blends.

Prelude 2026 vineyard

The winery itself is gravity‑fed and carved into granite rock, reflecting a philosophy of minimal intervention and harmony with nature. Prelude offers an approachable expression of the estate while retaining its hallmark depth and finesse.

Today, Clos Apalta remains family-owned, with Marnier‑Lapostolle and de Bournet's son, Charles de Bournet, leading the winery into its next chapter. Its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation continues to shape its legacy. The winery stands as a beacon of Chilean viticulture, blending tradition, modernity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, all rooted in the unique terroir of the Apalta Valley.

Tasting
NOTES

Cassis is the first aroma you get from this inky purple Chilean red blend, along with notes of blackberry, raspberry compote, plums, chocolate and espresso. The same flavours of ripe red and black fruits are mirrored on the palate, along with sweet spices, vanilla, caramel, smoky notes and a hint of balsamic. Rich and ripe, structured and soft, it's a mouth-filling wine with grippy tannins and a herbal pepperiness and minty freshness that lifts it.

Food
PAIRINGS

A Chilean icon deserves something special. Pair this with a charcoal grilled sirloin steak with grilled zucchini and chimichurri, or a decadent dark chocolate parfait with a berry compote.

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PRODUCER

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Prelude

Brought to you by William Reed

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