Clos des FousCauquenina Itata Valley 2017

Situated in Chile's enchanting landscapes, Clos des Fous winery stands as a testament to the enduring tradition of fine winemaking. The name itself, which translates as 'vineyard of the madmen', is a cheeky nod to its founders’ brave yet somewhat insane venture. In 2008, four friends related by a shared passion for wine, took a daring leap into the unknown. Deviating from Chile's more touristy wine-making regions, they sought undiscovered terroirs hidden in the remote corners of South America's longest country.

This extraordinary quartet includes seasoned Bordeaux winemaker Louis-Michel Liger-Belair and Chile's indigenous vine explorer Pedro Parra. Sharing a common vision, they wanted to focus on creating a premium quality wine that is the true expression of its local terroir. Hence, their grapes are grown in unexplored, extreme regions of Chile, where the climate and soils' unique properties contribute to the characterful and vibrant wines.

The result is a range of wine that superbly reflects the land from which they originate. The wines, whether whites or reds, are praised for their refinement, complexity and authenticity. A mix of cool-climate vineyards and old-vine, massal-selected planting material, they showcase fruit purity, focus and a distinct sense of place.

In their continued pursuit of excellence, the team at Clos des Fous adheres strictly to key principles: minimal intervention, respect for the environment and a relentless quest for identity. They firmly belief in their motto, “Wine is made in the vineyard, not in the winery”. Their dedicated hands-on approach in the vineyard coaxes the best out of each grape variery, ensuring their wines' quality and distinct personality.

Being a relatively young winery, Clos des Fous is nothing short of remarkable. Their innovative approach to winemaking, coupled with inclusive respect for the environment, has helped it quickly earn a reputation as one of Chile's most exciting wine producers. The winery has undoubtedly proven that the foolish venture of four brave friends turned out to be a successful endeavour, bearing an unique array of wines that continue to captivate both critics and wine enthusiasts alike.

http://www.closdesfous.com/?lang=en

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