Cromas Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc

Los Vascos wines blend Lafite tradition with the unique terroir of Chile to create elegant wines that bring exceptional to the everyday. The vision of Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite to expand their estate took them to South America in 1988, becoming the first French viticultural investment in modern Chile, oriented towards the production of fine wine using and adapting the viticultural experiences of Bordeaux. Los Vascos is located in Valley de Caneten (Colchagua), a closed valley in the central zone of Chile, approximately 25 miles from the sea. The valley provides a perfect microclimate for high quality viticulture, with Northern exposure to lands. Daily on-shore winds provide temperature changes between 68-77°F, for optimum maturation of the grapes. With 1,581 acres planted on the over 10,000 acre estate, it is one of the largest vineyards in the central Colchagua valley, at the foot of Mount Cañeten.

For this demanding grape variety, the hillsides of Santa Lucia were selected. The soils consist of altered granite with low argile content and the southeastern exposure offers the optimal ripening conditions. The gentle ocean breezes help cool the grapes at night. The season began with an exceptionally warm and dry winter, with few days below zero. There were two bouts of frost during the winter which damaged some buds and shoots, resulting in natural thinning and therefore lower yields, with better quality and concentration of the grapes. Over the course of the season, temperatures increased constantly, with peaks of up to 98°F. As a result, harvesting began 20 days earlier than normal. Despite differences in the vineyards (exposure, soils, clones), the high temperatures homogenized.

This grape variety calls for a very soft handling in the winery, with extreme caution and patience required during the extraction and maceration phases. Grapes are fermented in small stainless steel tanks; various plots are vinified separately.

Attractive ruby-red color. Fragrant nose of red berries (raspberry and fresh strawberry), with the herbaceous and floral aromas characteristic of this varietal. Notes of orange peel and graphite complete the aromatic complexity. On the palate, the wine offers a soft opening, marked by intense, refreshing acidity. Strong but pleasant tannins lead to a persistent finish.