Besoain Single Vineyard Riesling – Miguel’s hobbyhorse

The grapes for the Besoain Single Vineyard Riesling come from a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley called Lo Ovalle. The average age of the vines is 20 years. After the harvest, the grapes are selected by hand in the vineyard and then in the wine cellar. The grapes were gently pressed pneumatically. The temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation took place in small stainless steel tanks. The wine then remained on the fine lees for 6 months. The Riesling was finally bottled in May 2022. Riesling is the speciality of the Chilean oenologist, who lived and worked in the Palatinate for many years. Miguel has already earned himself the reputation of the “Riesling King” in Chile.

The Casablanca Valley is roughly equidistant from the cities of Santiago and Valparaiso. This valley covers a vineyard area of around four thousand hectares. The climate is mild, with hot summers and is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean. The waters form a morning mist that moistens the sunrises almost all year round and occurs most of the year.

The amount of precipitation is around 450 mm. It mainly falls between May and October. Both the thermal fluctuations and the temperature fluctuations are moderate. Temperatures are rarely below 6-8°Celsius or above 25-26° Celsius. The oceanic influence results in slow and concentrated grape ripening. The rise in temperature is proportional to the distance from the Pacific Ocean, which accounts for the differences between the wines.

The soils are very diverse and range from loamy and poor granitic slopes to sandy or sandy-loamy soils in the lowlands. There are also gravel soils with high organic deposits from rivers

Originally, Casablanca was known for its white wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Nowadays, however, you can also find vineyards planted with Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The morning and evening freshness and the higher temperatures of the summer days create ideal conditions for the accumulation of sugar and a tingling acidity in the mouth.

Taste Unveiled: Exploring the Flavor Profile of the Single Vineyard Riesling from Besoain Wines

The Besoain Riesling enchants with a haunting aroma of lemon blossom, quince, apricots and grapefruit accompanied by slightly herbal notes such as camomile. There are also subtle mineral tones. On the palate, this Chilean Riesling has plenty of fruity extract and a creamy flavour. The acidity is refreshing and very balanced. A very charismatic, juicy white wine with good length.