J Bouchon Wines (Chile)

A winery without a past is like a wine without character. Above all, we believe in tradition and quality, our traditions go a long way back - to 1892,  when G. Bouchon, a native from Bordeaux (France) arrived in to Chile and settled down in the Maule Valley, south of Santiago. Julio Bouchon S., the current president and owner, is an Agronomist graduated by the University of Chile and holds an Enologist degree by the Bordeaux Unversity.

OUR ESTATE

The company's vineyards are located in the Maule Valley, in the coastal rainfall area. These vineyards mainly cover a total of 370 Hectares (approx. 1000 acres) of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Carmenere, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.

Most of the vines are about 60 years old, from which we obtain excellent results, deep colors and rich, fruity flavors. The yield is only about 7- 8000 kilos per hectare (approx. 2.5 - 3.0 tons per acre). Traditional hand picking of the grapes and clusters selection are practiced. This contributes to their consistent high quality. Irrigation is used to supplement the rainfall.

The Maule Valley is blessed with a poor soil and a Mediterranean climate that makes it an ideal location for viniculture. Rains and inclement weather are concentrated in the winter months, leaving a long, sunny and dry summer growing season. Average summer temperatures range from 20 to 32 degrees C and, humidity levels hover around 50 percent. Such conditions give rise to a strong activity during the day, followed by a deep nocturnal rest. The special weather conditions of the region allow for the accumulation of warmth, aroma, and a full flavour of the wines.

OUR CELLAR

The wine cellar facilities were designed and, to a great extent, imported from Australia in 1991. They are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and at present, have a capacity of 3,500,000 liters in stainless steel tanks. We use French oak barrels. Also the winery has an isotermic building which houses a laboratory, administrative offices and a bottling facility with a capacity of 2.800 bottles per hour.

Please visit our website at: www.jbouchon.cl