O.Fournier San Antonio

Three year search for best terroir in Chile ends at Lo Abarca, San Antonio Valley

In the San Antonio Valley, arguably the most famous valley for white wines in Chile, O. Fournier has selected the region of Lo Abarca to plant their vineyards, principally with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir varieties.

O Fournier believe that Lo Abarca has the potential to be one of the great regions of the world for these two varieties and in 2008 have planted 3 hectares each of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir within the 35 hectares. They will plant the remaining hectares in the following years. During the meantime, O.Fournier is acquiring Sauvignon Blanc grapes from premium producers from Leyda, about six miles from Lo Abarca and within the San Antonio Valley.

The region of Lo Abarca is located in San Antonio Valley, three miles from the Pacific Ocean. The altitude is approximately 150 to 200 metres above sea level. The ocean’s influence produces cool temperatures with maximums and minimums of 25ºC and 10ºC respectively. The continental climate is moderated by Pacific influence

These conditions allow the production of wines with excellent aromas, acidity, elegance and structure, especially appropriate for the white varietals (Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling) and certain red varietals (Pinot Noir, Tempranillo). The average rainfall is moderate with 300 to 400 mm per year, mainly in the Spring and the Autumn, which makes irrigation in the Summer months necessary. The rigorous climate, with large temperature differences, and minimal rainfall, determines low yields and produces high-quality grapes.

Generally, the soils that can be found in Lo Abarca are extremely varied, given the extremely old geological age of region, with diverse layers of sand, gravel, clay, iron and granite. The great majority of the soils are poor in organic material, which also facilitates the production of outstanding grapes