Wings 2021 is Carmenère with wings: intense, silky, and layered, made on the steep slopes of Finca de Apalta. Here, the bunches ripen in the cool afternoon breeze on granite and clay, resulting in a wine that feels both ripe and fresh, with length and rich nuance. Wondering why this Carmenère smells so pure? In Apalta, the leaves around the bunches are pruned back in early January so the fruit can fully enjoy the sun, tempering the green pyrazine notes and bringing out the dark fruit.
The Wings vineyards are situated 200 meters above the valley floor, on steep southwest-facing slopes in Colchagua. The soils are granite-rich with a significant clay content and excellent drainage. Apalta is a patchwork of alluvial and river deposits, with deeper soils on the plains and a thinner profile higher up. The plantings are double Guyot at 5,555 vines per hectare and are deliberately kept low in yield, around 3.5 to 4.0 tons per hectare. The 2021 growing season was cool during the harvest period, resulting in balanced alcohol and lively acidity.
Harvesting is done by hand in 10-kilo crates, followed by double hand selection of bunches and berries. A cold maceration of 5 to 7 days at 10°C (50°F) imparts color and aroma without harsh tannins. Fermentation with selected yeasts lasts 12 to 15 days at a temperature of 26 to 29°C (78 to 84°F), with gentle extraction and tasting sessions to precisely time the post-fermentation maceration. 80 percent of the wine is then aged for 18 months in new French oak, with the remainder in second-year barrels for added complexity without overpowering the fruit. Decant at least one hour before serving for maximum aromatic openness.
Carmenère 85 percent, Cabernet Franc 15 percent. Carmenère delivers blackberry, plum, and peppery spice notes with round, velvety tannins, while Cabernet Franc adds tension, floral lift, and a fine grip. Together, this results in a deep, juicy style with a clear backbone.
