Wine: Alba De Domus

Maipo Valley

Domus Aurea

Clos Quebrada De Macul is a single hillside family owned vineyard planted to cabernet sauvignon back in 1970 when it was unheard of in Chile to plant on more difficult-to-farm, lower-yielding hillside sites. The vines planted there are 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a 20% blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.

In the past the harvest had been sold to top wineries from across the country, becoming the most expensive fruit in the market. This has motived the owners, Isabelle and Ricardo Peña, to join forces with the winemaker Ignacio Recabarren, and an US investor to begin their own winery.
Since its debute in 1996 Domus Aurea has occupied a leading role in Chile’s recent wine history, appealing to site-specificity, low yields and non-interventionist winemaking.  In 2003 Patrick Valette and Jean Pascal Lacaze joined Domus Aurea as consultant and resident winemaker, respectively.

The wines have a deep brilliant red shade. Ripe and licoriced nose, blackcurrant and cherry with some notes of plum, mint tips are well integrated thanks to the high maturity. Slightly balsamic notes complemented by zests of orange jam with accents of chocolate…personality of Domus Aurea is there. 

The mouth is lively and cool with a beautiful sapid texture and a very nice brilliance of the fruit. 

The body is medium but sufficient, without on - density nor grotesque on - weight, preserving élégance. Tannins, sharp, are again very present and relatively firm, but their grain has the potenciel to preen (make it lightest…). Interesting Balance thanks to a good acidity to counterbalance an alcohol that comes back in finale with notes of dry fruits and cherries to purificate its expression.

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