The Leyda Valley is located in Chile just 55 miles West of Santiago. A fairly new growing area, established in 1997, the region was previously dedicated to barley and wheat. The Leyda Valley is a sub-region in the San Antonio Valley that was grated an independent appellation status thanks to the styles of wine that are produced. Influenced by the Humboldt Current, which flows from the West coast of the country to Antarctic, the Leyda Valley is located at a latitude of 33°, making it closer to the equator. The geography of the sub-region consists of rolling hills and is 600 feet above sea level. The clay soils lie over a granite base and receive moderate drainage. The fairly cool and dry climate caused man-made irrigation to become a necessity with water being brought in from the Maipo River. The project was made possible by four wealthy founders. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc were the first vines that were planted. Experimentation is still underway with Syrah, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Vern, and Riesling joining the original grape varieties. Today the sub-region has a total of 216 hectares with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay thriving. The future of the region looks very promising, especially with the addition of Merlot.
Siegel Special Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Leyda is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc
The grapes for the Gran Reserva wines are the product of a careful selection of Siegel's best vineyards in the Colchagua Valley, harvested by hand, and revealing a strong expression of the land.
The Gran Reserva wines represent the union of tradition and innovation in two generations. The grapes are sourced through careful selection of their best vineyards in the cool coastal Leyda Valley region. Siegel Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc offers a pale yellow color with green hues and reveals intense and complex aromas of grapefruit and pear accented by mineral notes. The palate is balanced and juicy with a vibrant acidity and a soft, lingering finish.
Fayolle Crozes-Hermitage Rouge Cuvee Nicolas is made from 100 percent Syrah.
Deep ruby red color. Nose of red and black currant fruits, pepper, spring flowers, new leather and mineral/earthy nuances. Medium bodied palate of red fruit and spice. Nice balance. Long finish and velvety.
Review:
"Boasting even more striking aromas of blueberries, violets and peppery spice than the La Rochette bottling, the 2018 Crozes-Hermitage La Cuvee Nicolas is almost Côte-Rôtie-like. Medium to full-bodied without seeming at all heavy, ripe without being overdone, silky and fine from start to finish, it's a real beauty and a testament to the potential of the commune of Gervans - a small granitic outpost within the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. - Joe Czerwinski"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (May 13th 2021), 93 pts
Michelet Courtaullt Chablis AOC is made from 100% Chardonnay.
Golden colored and very aromatic with white flowers, fresh fruit, lime, citrus aromas as well as a bergamot. Pleasant mouthfeel, supple, crisp, fruity flavors. There is a touch of acidity, revealing a deliciously integrated minerality.This Chablis is produced from vineyards located on slopes benefiting from a mainly south, southwest sun exposure in villages of the Northwestern part of the Chablis area (Lignorelles, Beine, Villy and Chablis).
Ideal as an aperitif, the wine is an excellent companion to seafood, smoked salmon for example.