O. Fournier

In the San Antonio Valley, presently the most famous valley for white wines in Chile, O. Fournier selected the region of Lo Abarca to plant their vineyards, principally with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir varieties. Lo Abarca has the potential to be one of the great regions of the world for these two varieties. In 2008 O.Fournier plans to plant three hectares each of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir within the 35 hectares, planting the remaining hectares in the following years. During the meantime, O.Fournier is acquiring Sauvignon Blanc grapes from premium producers from Leyda, about six miles from Lo Abarca and within the San Antonio Valley. In the Maule Valley, O. Fournier has signed long-term agreements with producers of the region to lease vineyards and purchase grapes. All of the vineyards range from 65 to 120 years old, which makes O. Fournier the only winery in Chile that produces wines exclusively from old-vine vineyards. The principal leased vineyard, La Higuera, has an extension of 136 hectares, of which 41 hectares are planted with vineyards of more than 80 years of age. These vineyards are in process of being grafted with varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carignan and Syrah. This property has been leased for 25 years and includes a contract to purchase 1.5 hectares for the construction of a new O. Fournier winery. La Higuera is located in Loncomilla, a region contiguous with the river of the same name. The Maule Valley is the one of the oldest and most attractive vineyard sites in Chile, previously unknown but quickly coming into prominence. The rest of the leased properties can be found in other various locations in the Maule Valley: Tabontinaja, Linares and Loncomilla. The varieties planted include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot y Carignan. The low yields per hectare are determined by the temperatures, rainfall and soil composition, combined with the age of the vineyards, producing a limited 4,000 to 6,000 kg per hectare.