Garage Wine Co. Las Higueras Vineyard Cabernet Franc Lot #92
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Las Higueras sits in the Caliboro zone of the Maule and is a relatively cold site for Cabernet Franc in comparison to what you normally see in Chile for this varietal.
- These Cabernet Franc vines were grafted onto 100 year old Pais vines by an Italian traveler in the late eighties.
- Excellent freshness and more savory tones present in comparison to the winery’s Maipo Cabernet Franc bottling which is more fruit driven.
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Franc
Elaboration: Fermented naturally, caps were punched down by hand and pressing was strictly manual. The wine was barreled in neutral oak over one winters and then bottled in recycled glass. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Notes: “It feels quite ripe and not that varietal. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins.” – Wine Advocate
PRESS
2014 – 93 James Suckling | 94 Wine Advocate,
2015 – 91 James Suckling | 92 Wine Advocate
2016 – 93 Wine Advocate
2017 – 91 Vinous | 94 Wine Advocate
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Derek Mossman, his wife Pilar Miranda, and Dr. Alvaro Peña are producing 1,500 cases total per year of old-vine Carignan, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, with fruit sourced from small growers in Maule and Maipo.
Winemaking here veers towards the “natural” spectrum – all wines are fermented with native yeast, see no additions of any kind, very little new wood, and are low in sulfites. Punch downs are by hand, and pressing is done in a small traditional basket. You may notice slight variation in bottle thickness and shape if you were to open up cases, as Derek Mossman takes recycling to the next level and actually reuses old bottles, bottling in salvaged, used wine bottles in partnership with a recycling company located near the winery. Derek is also the founder of M.O.V.I. (Movimiento de Viñateros Independientes), Chile’s exciting, fast-growing association of independent vintners.