Francois Lurton Hacienda Araucano Clos de Lolol 2018

Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving.

Winemaker Francois Lurton and his brother Jacques had been making wine in Chile since 1992, but it was only in 2000 that they stumbled across a stunning spot in Colchagua where the influence of the nearby ocean cools the summer heat of the valley. The brothers combined seven local estates to form one new property of 200 acres and began to experiment with different grape varieties to see what suited the terroir here.

In 2013 they went one step further by converting their 30 acres of vines to biodynamic agriculture under the Demeter certification. This passion for sustainable and natural winemaking is also reflected in their use of solar power and rainwater storage for irrigation. Their magnificent Clos de Lolol red blend is both organic and biodynamic, reflecting the natural character of the estate’s best Carménère, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc plots.

The fruit is harvested by hand in small crates to maintain quality and vinified separately by variety. Maturation takes place in used French oak barrels, adding subtle notes of toast and spice to the rich dark fruit character. On the palate there’s an enticing silky smooth texture, medium body, and long finish with lingering notes of cassis, dark chocolate, and tobacco leaf.