Laberinto "Cenizas" Estate Sauvignon Blanc '24

Rafael Tirado established the Laberinto winery, named for the labyrinth-inspired row plantings of his 23 hectares under vine, in 1993 in the easternmost corner of the Maule Valley, in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. He purchased land where he had once spent time as a child, in the remote town of Colbún. Previously, he had served as winemaker for several larger Chilean wineries in the Maipo Valley, and his shift to artisan wine in a time of bulk wine production has led him to become a leading figure of Chilean winemaking. He produced wines only from his estate vineyards, practices organic farming, and begins all his ferments with native yeast. With their balance of acidity and elegance, his wines have become benchmarks of Chilean wine.

The “Cenizas” Sauvignon Blanc is made from hand-harvested fruit, from a single estate vineyard planted by Rafa in 1993, in Colbún DO. The soil is dominated by volcanic ash and granite, at 1,800 feet in elevation. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel tank.

The nose shows high-toned fruity and floral aromas, including ruby red grapefruit, lime, and passionfruit, and bursts with notes of jalapeño and green bell pepper. A great pairing for a simple appetizer of mango salsa with tortilla chips and guacamole, or seafood quesadillas.