Prelude 2023

Nine Miles

Nine Miles is a refined collaboration between two names in the wine and spirits local market, Divino Wines & Spirits of Mqabba and Holy Wines of Mgarr. United by our shared vision and a mere nine-mile distance, we are proud to introduce a curated selection of premium wine labels to the local market. While we specialize in offering exclusive, high-quality wines tailored to discerning tastes, our commitment remains to provide the best value, ensuring every client, from connoisseurs to enthusiasts, experiences the finest quality at the most competitive prices.

Clos Apalta

The history of Clos Apalta lies in one of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere vineyards in Chile if not the world. Tucked away in the Colchagua Valley near the town of Santa Cruz, the Apalta Valley was the chosen location of a viosionary, who in 1910s plated this amazing vineyard using a unique French massal selection. In 1994, Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet acquired the property. True to the demands of the family, their ambition was to produce an exceptional wine and to pave the way for the qualitative development of the country’s fine wines.

Clos Apalta was created in 1997 as the iconic wine of Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle in Chile with the idea of magnifying the exceptional terroir of Apalta with French expertise. Shaping the vineyard foot by foot, building a state-of-the-art gravity fed winery, the family succeeded in making Clos Apalta one of the most iconic wines in South America.

Prelude

Prelude is the result of three decades of experience understanding their terroir, transforming this knowledge into a wine that speaks of the beauty and potential of the Apalta lands. Maceration time of  5-6 weeks with manual punch downs. Fermentation in 100% in 75hL French oak vats. Fermentation temperature 28°C to 30°C and aged for 17 months in French oak barrels. 10% in new French oak barrels 90% in second use French oak barrels. Unfined & unfiltered.

Purple red color with dark inky edges. Nose is expressive with red fruit, spices & herbs. Well balanced, with a round and juicy tannins that opens towards a velvety mid-palate & a long lasting finish. Certified Organic.

Region

The Apalta valley is nestled in the Apalta sub-region of Colchagua Valley, a premier wine-growing area in Chile. Known for its exceptional Bordeaux-style blends, this estate which has it’s own D.O. is celebrated for its luxury wines and meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking.

The estate enjoys a privileged microclimate with warm days, cool nights, and minimal rainfall, perfect for producing complex and age-worthy wines. The soils are predominantly granitic with clay and quartz, contributing to the structure and minerality of the wines.

Climate & Terroir

Apalta has a Mediterranean climate, moderated by its geography and proximity to the Andes and Pacific Ocean.

The region experiences high daytime temperatures that allow grapes to ripen fully, while cool nights help retain acidity, balance, and aromatic freshness.

The area receives limited rainfall, mostly during winter (June to August), with very dry summers.

Dry conditions during the growing season minimize the risk of fungal diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.

Apalta is shaped like a natural amphitheater, with the coastal mountains to the west and Andes foothills to the east, creating a sheltered environment. This helps moderate the impact of strong winds and extreme temperatures.

Apalta’s soils are highly diverse due to its position on the foothills of the Andes and the geological activity in the region. Alluvial Soils are found in the lower areas, rich in clay and silt, providing good water retention for vineyards. Colluvial Soils are found on the slopes, composed of gravel, sand, and decomposed granite.

These well-drained soils stress vines slightly, leading to concentrated flavors. The soils are rich in quartz and other minerals, enhancing the minerality in wines.

Ideal drinking temperature 16° Celsius.

Nine Miles Brand Page

Clos Apalta Website