Lapostolle has developed vineyards in several Chilean sub-regions to determine the best climates for growing specific grape varieties. In all the vineyards, the vine canopy is managed to achieve optimal ripeness and grape yields are controlled to ensure high concentration. All of the fruit is harvested by hand using small baskets and is subjected to rigorous sorting to ensure quality throughout the winemaking process.
Lapostolle's Chardonnay is sourced in the northern region of Casablanca, which is the coolest of Chile's viticultural regions. There, the Atalayas Vineyard was planted in 1996 at a high vine density on hilly terrain with poor volcanic soils. This holds the natural vigor of the vine in check, allowing the grapes to ripen fully without too much leaf coverage. This vineyard is the source for the highly acclaimed
Cuvée Alexandre Chardonnay, which is whole-cluster pressed, with partial barrel fermentation and aging and partial stainless steel fermentation to preserve the freshness of the fruit. A very small amount of Pinot Noir is also produced there. Lapostolle's Casa Chardonnay is also sourced exclusively from Casablanca vineyards.
The winery's flagship Apalta vineyards are located on 120 hectares, or nearly 300 acres, located in the Apalta Valley in the Colchagua sub-region of the Rapel Valley. The vineyards are planted in sandy, south-facing soils (which are cool in the southern hemisphere), over a deep stratum of clay. The deep clay holds the moisture in reserve for when it is most needed in the summer months, permitting the practice of non-irrigation viticulture, or dry farming. These vineyards produce some of the most deliciously concentrated fruit in Chile. The vines there are very old (75% of them are between 50–80 years old) and are densely planted, adding to the optimal conditions outlined above. The Apalta Vineyard produces Lapostolle's famed Clos Apalta bottling (a blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon) as well as the Cuvée Alexandre Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Casa Merlot is also sourced partially from Apalta with the balance coming from the surrounding Colchagua Valley.
Casa Sauvignon Blanc &
Cuvée Alexandre Syrah are both sourced exclusively from Lapostolle's 117 hectare, or 290 acre,
Las Kuras Estate Vineyard in the Requinoa subsection of the northern Rapel Valley. This region is an ancient dry riverbed noted for its abundance of smooth, round stones (much like parts of the Rhône Valley in France) that provide excellent drainage. The vineyard's proximity to the Andes mountains ensures cold nights, which lengthens the growing season and aids in the development of bright fruit characteristics and acidity. The stones release stored heat during the night, protecting the vine's root systems from the cold air descending from the mountains. These vineyards produce small grapes with thick skins and intense flavors. Casa Cabernet Sauvignon is also sourced primarily from Las Kuras, with the balance coming from Colchagua.
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