Red dry
An exceptional red wine from the Apalta Valley in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. Casa Lapostolle’s flagship wine, it brings together the richness of ‘Carménère’, the structure of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and the rounded character of ‘Merlot’. This release stands out for its extended bottle ageing, which has allowed the wine to develop and gain additional complexity.
The nose reveals layers of cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry, complemented by black pepper, herbal notes, and subtle hints of smoke and cocoa. The palate is rich and concentrated, yet retains freshness and balance. Fine-grained, silky tannins provide a firm structure, while the long finish reveals dark fruit, spice, leather and tobacco.
The grapes are grown in the Apalta Valley, where old vineyards and granitic soils create distinctive conditions for slow ripening. The ‘Carménère’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grapes are sourced from old, ungrafted vines planted as early as 1920. The estate follows certified organic and biodynamic viticultural practices. The wine was aged for 24 months in new French oak barrels, while subsequent bottle ageing has helped soften the tannins and harmonise the fruit, spice and oak nuances.
Serve at 16–18 °C; pair with slow-braised beef cheek in red wine sauce, charcoal-grilled venison with juniper berries, or aged beef entrecôte with a side of mushrooms and thyme.
Casa Lapostolle is a prestigious Chilean winery located in the Colchagua Valley, a region renowned for its high-quality red wines. Founded in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet, the estate carries a strong French heritage: Alexandra is the great-granddaughter of the founder of the famous French liqueur house Grand Marnier, and her family’s traditions and craftsmanship have been passed on to this ambitious wine project.
Vineyards and Estate Locations
Casa Lapostolle owns more than 370 hectares of vineyards across three key wine regions in Chile:
Winemaking Methods and Sustainability
Casa Lapostolle applies organic and biodynamic farming practices. Grapes are grown without pesticides, using natural fertilizers and compost. Many vineyards are dry-farmed, without irrigation, allowing the vines to express the true character of the terroir. Harvesting is done by hand, and winemaking involves minimal filtration and cold stabilization to preserve the wine’s natural flavors and aromas.
Awards and Recognition
Casa Lapostolle wines consistently receive outstanding scores from international wine critics. Notably, Clos Apalta vintages 2014, 2015, and 2017 were awarded a perfect 100 points by James Suckling.
Winery and Visits
Casa Lapostolle’s winery is located in Cunaco, near the town of Santa Cruz, while the main production site is in the Apalta Valley, where the Clos Apalta winery stands. This six-level, gravity-flow winery is designed to minimize mechanical handling of the grapes and preserve wine quality. The estate also offers guided tours and tastings, allowing visitors to explore the winemaking process and enjoy panoramic views of the valley.
Casa Lapostolle is a prime example of how French winemaking tradition can be seamlessly combined with the unique terroir of Chile. With a constant focus on quality and sustainability, the winery’s wines are highly regarded both locally and internationally.