Rafael Tirado Valle del Maule Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc

As one of ten children, Rafael Tirado has long been prepared to navigate his way through life. Over the course of his decades long career, he has made wine around the world, managed several mid-sized Chilean wineries, many of which are exported to the USA, and has become one of the most sought after wine consultants in Chile. Rafa purchased land in the Eastern Maule Valley in the front range of the Chilean Andes and planted his first estate vines in 1993 on volcanic ash over granite. He currently has five parcels totaling 18ha of vines. His vineyards are legally recognized to be located within the Colbun DO and currently is the only estate producer in the DO. Much of his vineyard is planted in various orientations, some of which are planted in the shape of a labyrinth. Rafael built a small gravity fed winery and a geothermal barrel and bottle room on the property, and currently produces estate wines under the Laberinto and Vistalago labels. We believe these wines to be some of the most classical expressions of terroir in all of Chile, and Rafael Tirado to be a beacon of Artisan Chilean Wine.

This hand harvested, single vineyard, 100% estate Sauvignon Blanc is from vines that Rafael Tirado planted himself in 1998. This SB has a bright nose with Guava, passion fruit, and lemon leading to a mineral mid palate and soft undertones of crushed rock. The volcanic ash from the vineyard adds to this minerality and sustained finish. The Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in 100% stainless steel which leads to a very juicy and refreshing wine.