Bodegas y Viñedos O.Fournier

World class wines from La Consulta, Uco Valley

The La Consulta region is located in the well-known Uco Valley, approximately 1,050 metres above sea level. At this altitude, there is a significant fluctuation between daytime and night-time temperatures of up to 20º-25ºC.

This variance particularly favours the production of wines with an excellent colour and suitable for long ageing in oak barrels.

The region´s stoney and sandy soils offer excellent drainage during the summer season. The lack of organic material, limited rainfall and prevailing winds are also conducive to high quality, healthy grapes. Furthermore, the water that irrigates the estates comes pure and clean from the snow thawing on the Andes.

Bodega y Viñedos O. Fournier owns three estates some 15 km from the Andes Range, covering 286 ha. A total of 94 are currently planted with vines, some of which are over 30 years old.

FINCA SANTA SOFÍA

The focus is on cultivating the Tempranillo variety due to its great potential for development in this area and the quality of its grapes.

Although experimenting with other training systems, Bodega y Viñedos O. Fournier prefers "vaso," the traditional Spanish bush vine system as this method leaves the grape clusters exposed while protecting them from the intense solar radiation. It also results in a potential lower yield per plant, leading to more concentrated aromas and a better wine structure. Planting densities on the estate vary from 3,000 to 10,000 vines/ha.

FINCA SAN MANUEL

Located 2 km from Finca Santa Sofía, covering an area of 13 hectares, 8 of which were planted with Tempranillo vines over 30 years ago; in November 2001 the rest of the estate was planted with Tempranillo and Malbec. The planting density is 5,100 vines/ha.

FINCA SAN JOSÉ

Located next to Finca San Manuel, covering an area of 10 hectares, of which 7 have been planted with a density of 3,800 vines/ha. The vines are Tempranillo, planted in 1972, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bodega y Viñedos O. Fournier currently grows 30% of its own grapes and buys the other 70% from high quality vineyards of local producers, with whom it has established long-term agreements. The company aims to acquire more old vineyards.

The company analysed over 170 estates, examining the quality of the grapes and the producers´ willingness to manage their vineyards in line with the recommendations of the Bodega´s technical experts. After this analysis, Bodega y Viñedos O. Fournier signed long-term contracts with all 12 of its selected producers.

To ensure the grapes are of the highest quality, the suppliers co-operate closely with Bodega y Viñedos O. Fournier in vine and grape management, in particular by

- limiting the use of fertilisers, treatments and irrigation
- green harvesting
- harvesting the grapes manually with the company´s own workers.

This will allow Bodega y Viñedos O. Fournier to secure high quality grapes with an average yield of 1-1.5 kg. per vine.

Wine Tourism

The winery is located in the district of San Carlos, 80 miles from Mendoza City, Argentina. This location is very scenic with the natural landscape at the Andes foothills.

The winery is open for visitors everyday - you will need to make a reservation.

Accomodation: 7 rural cottages with private bathrooms, breakfast and dinner service

www.ofournier.com