ERRAZURIZ ‘LAS PIZARRAS’ CHARD W

Le Petit Clos ‘Valle de Apalta’ is the second wine of the celebrated Clos Apalta estate, offering a more approachable yet beautifully expressive interpretation of the exceptional Apalta Valley terroir in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. Created by Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle, Le Petit Clos uses grapes from the same distinctive terroir as the Grand Vin, with the blend varying according to vintage. Carménère generally provides the foundation, supported by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and small proportions of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot. The wine combines the richness of Apalta fruit with a polished, elegant style designed to be enjoyed both in its youth and with bottle age.

In the glass, Le Petit Clos displays a deep ruby to garnet-red colour, often accented by attractive violet or dark-cherry edges. The nose is expressive and inviting, revealing ripe blackcurrant, cassis, blackberry and black cherry alongside red fruit such as strawberry and plum. Fresh herbs, violet, black pepper and subtle spice add aromatic lift, while carefully integrated French oak contributes notes of cedar, vanilla, sweet spice and gentle toast. With time in the glass, the wine can reveal additional nuances of tobacco, cocoa, liquorice and earthy complexity.

On the palate, Le Petit Clos ‘Valle de Apalta’ is generous, smooth and beautifully balanced, with ripe red and black fruit forming the core of the wine. Flavours of plum, blackberry, cassis and cherry are complemented by pepper, fresh herbs, cedar and sweet baking spices. The Carménère component contributes a rounded, juicy character and supple texture, while Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and freshness and Merlot adds softness and volume. Fine-grained tannins create a silky mouthfeel, while lively acidity keeps the palate fresh and precise. French oak ageing adds complexity and depth while remaining harmoniously integrated with the fruit.

The finish is long, persistent and refined, with lingering flavours of ripe berries, blackcurrant, plum, spice, cedar and subtle herbal notes. The combination of juicy fruit, polished tannins and refreshing acidity gives the wine impressive balance and makes it particularly versatile at the table. Its structure also allows it to develop beautifully with bottle age, gradually revealing more complex notes of tobacco, leather, earth and savoury spice. Recent vintages continue to demonstrate the wine’s signature combination of rich fruit, silky tannins and vibrant freshness.

Food Pairing: This elegant Bordeaux-style Chilean red pairs beautifully with grilled steak, roast beef, lamb, beef short ribs and slow-cooked meats. Its supple tannins and herbal-spicy character also complement roasted duck, herb-crusted poultry, grilled vegetables, mushroom dishes and hearty stews. For cheese, serve it with aged Cheddar, Comté, mature Gouda or other firm, full-flavoured varieties that can match its fruit concentration and savoury complexity.

Serving Suggestion: Serve at approximately 16–18°C to allow its ripe fruit, herbs, spice and oak character to open fully. A young bottle benefits from around 30–45 minutes of breathing, while a more mature vintage can be served after a shorter period of aeration. Use a large Bordeaux-style red wine glass to enhance the aromatic expression and appreciate its silky texture, balanced structure and persistent finish.