Vinodata

O. Fournier has selected exciting areas fro winegrowing. The Lo Abarca estate, where a 35-hectare property in San Antonio Valley, three miles from the Pacific Ocean. The altitude is approximately 150 to 200 meters above sea level. The ocean’s influence produces cool temperatures with maximums and minimums of 25ºC and 10ºC respectively. 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 continental climate is moderated by Pacific influence. 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.

The Maule Valley, where the other red varietal vineyards are located, has an altitude of approximately of 300 to 400 meters above sea level. The latitude of these properties also produce a large temperature amplitude (maximum temperatures of 32º and minimum of 9º during the Summer. which help to produce wines of excellent color, elegance, low alcohol, natural acidity, structure and are suitable for long barrel aging.

The rainfall is moderate, between 400 and 600 mm per year, mainly in the Spring and the Autumn with some sporadic storm precipitation during the summer. The rigorous climate, with large climate differences, and minimal rainfall determines low yields and produces high-quality grapes. Generally, the soils that can be found in the vineyards of Maule are predominately composed of stone, limestone, sand and clay layers, similar to those of the Ribera del Duero, in Spain. The great majority are also poor in organic material. It is also worth mentioning that it is extremely difficult to find these types of soils in Chile.

Estates

In the San Antonio Valley, presently the most famous valley for white wines in Chile, O. Fournier selected the region of Lo Abarca to plant their vineyards, principally with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir varieties. Lo Abarca has the potential to be one of the great regions of the world for these two varieties. Until the vineyard is planted, O.Fournier is acquiring Sauvignon Blanc grapes from premium producers from Leyda, about six miles from Lo Abarca and within the San Antonio Valley.

In the Maule Valley, O. Fournier has signed long-term agreements with producers of the region to lease vineyards and purchase grapes. All of the vineyards range from 65 to 120 years old, which makes O. Fournier the only winery in Chile that produces wines exclusively from old-vine vineyards. The principal leased vineyard, La Higuera, has an extension of 136 hectares, of which 41 hectares are planted with vineyards of more than 80 years of age. These vineyards are in process of being grafted with varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carignan and Syrah. This property has been leased for 25 years and includes a contract to purchase 1.5 hectares for the construction of a new O. Fournier winery. La Higuera is located in Loncomilla, a region contiguous with the river of the same name. The Maule Valley is the one of the oldest and most attractive vineyard sites in Chile, previously unknown but quickly coming into prominence. The rest of the leased properties can be found in other various locations in the Maule Valley: Linares and Loncomilla. The varieties planted include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Carignan. The low yields per hectare are determined by the temperatures, rainfall and soil composition, combined with the age of the vineyards, producing a limited 4,000 to 6,000 kg per hectare.

Grapes

High-quality grapes are a fundamental factor for O. Fournier to proceed with a rigorous selection and vineyards´ control. The Maule region is one of the areas with the longest-tradition vineyards areas in Chile.  These old-vine dry farming vineyards with such complexity and balance grapes allow O. Fournier to produce wines with exceptional characteristics and personality. O. Fournier has the mission to recuperate these old vineyards maintaining their original plant density, training systems and working on regulating yields on a per plant basis.  All these care allow our vineyards to produce 4,000 kg/ha and thus produce exceptional wines. We have secured long-term agreements with old-vine vineyard owners where O. Fournier staff control all the viticultural aspects. We are also in the process of grafting old País vines (known also as Mission) into more international varieties best suited for high-quality wines. We are one of the few terroir-focused winery groups. In Chile all our red grapes come exclusively from the Maule region and our best Sauvignon Blanc and, in the future, Pinot Noir from San Antonio (Leyda and Lo Abarca).

Wines

Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier´s objective is to produce high quality wines using grapes from our vineyards with a total production of 250,000 bottles. Our young but experienced wine making staff is responsible for producing the wine. José Spisso, Head Winemaker for the Group, assists them during his trips to Chile.

Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier is producing four wines. The “Urban” range represents modernity in winemaking with fruit-driven, soft and fresh wines. This style is suited for the sophisticated, urban consumer. Wines are aged in French and American oak barrels for three months. Centauri, the second wine, is both produced as a white and red. Centauri Sauvignon Blanc is produced from grapes coming from San Antonio Valley. Centauri Blend comes from grapes from Maule Valley and is aged approximately 12 months in oak barrels (new and first use barrels) and six to 12 months in the bottle. Alfa Centauri is also produced as a white and red. Alfa Centauri Sauvignon Blanc is fermented and aged for 12 months in 500-litre French oak barrels. Alfa Centauri Blend stays approximately 18 months in new oak every year and at least one year in the bottle. Finally, the last brand is “O. Fournier” which is only produced in exceptional vintages and in very small quantities.

From marketing perspective, the Company´s objective is to promote the O. Fournier “umbrella brand” as a top quality brand, regardless of where the wine is produced. It will use separate brands and labels for each of the wines depending on the region. The varieties selected are Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot and Carignan.