The 2008 Oveja Negra Reserva Chardonnay Viognier comes from Chile’s Maule Valley, which is surrounded by mountains that generate an ideal microclimate for viticulture. The valley has a Mediterranean climate with lower temperatures and higher rainfall in the south than in the north. Winters are mild and summers are generally moderately warm and dry. Geographic features include rivers and hills that create characteristics that are ideal for the different components of the wine.
This wine was made with Chardonnay and Viognier grapes from the Río Bonito and San Juan Estates, respectively. The vertically positioned Chardonnay vines are 3 years old and grafted onto 11 year old rootstock and planted to a density of 1.5 x 1.2 m. The 4 year old Viognier vines are vertically positioned and planted to a density of 1.2 x 2.2 m. The canopies of both varieties were managed with superficial leaf pulling on the basal shoots exposed to the morning sun. Crop thinning was only done with Viognier to leave 2 bunches per shoot. Both varieties had yields of 10-12 tons per hectare.
Climate: Warm Mediterranean, with extended dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
Soils: Young alluvial soils in evolution, in low position and moderate fertility derived from conglomerates, breccias, tuff, and volcanic ash. Most of the soils are loam to clay-loam in texture.
Harvest Date:
Chardonnay: March 18
Viognier: March 26
Taste: Creamy Chardonnay fruit of melon undertones with attractive apricot flavours form the Viognier. Especially good either as an aperitif or with fish particularly salmon, or with shellfish and vegetarian dishes.
