Sombras del Sol

While the sun is a powerful symbol, the bringer of light and life and the source of all energy, the name Sombras Del Sol actually means The Shadow of the Sun. It is powerful and poetic and offers so much more than just a reference to the dominant celestial object. At the heart of winemaking and viniculture, a very careful balance exists. It is a balance between hot and cold, light and dark, in short between sun and shade. Winemakers constantly seek this balance and their desire for balance extends into many aspects of their craft, from careful trellising to ensure grapes receive just the right amount of sun and sun protection to planting certain varietals in areas that are best suited to developing and enhancing their flavours.

In our research of the Mapuche Tribe (The Araunacos) we discovered their fascination with the heavens extends beyond just the sun. The sun, moon and stars are all featured in their beliefs and symbolism and is reflected in their textiles, jewellery and cultural objects. The name Sombras del Sol allows us to associate with not just the sun, but with the earth and heavens as a whole and provides us with a way of expressing ourselves in a new and more nuanced fashion.

We found and adapted a Mapuche Poem, keeping only the primary sentiment, an explanation of what The Shadow of the Sun means to us and to all the winemakers who constantly seek the perfect balance. Sombras Del Sol is still a celebration of the sun, but beyond just celebration the name also implies a certain, almost inescapable power that must be respected as it is celebrated. A sentiment the Mapuche understood well:

“Between light and dark we discover life,
Between night and day, heaven and earth,
We sing and dance in celebration of life,
Mankind finds all things that will ever be,
Beneath the shadow of the sun.”

Since time immemorial the sun has been celebrated as the giver of life in Chile. Sombras del Sol captures the careful balance between sun and shade, light and dark that forms an essential part of winemaking. Discover the spirit and colors of Chile in every glass; and the taste of sunshine in every sip.

Chardonnay Reserva

Sombras del Sol  “Santa Rosa” Reserva Chardonnay, Valle de Maule: The oldest plantations from their Santa Rosa estate date back to the 1950s, and there is a combination of mainly Bordeaux varieties planted here. The estate is much closer to the Maule river and the soils are alluvial in origin with a clay texture with plenty of pebbles and round rocks. The warm, Mediterranean climate allows for full and healthy ripening of a wide range of grape varieties, and the vineyard has drip irrigation installed for dry years. 

Tasting Notes: Pale yellow color. On the nose aromas of ripe bananas and ripe peaches. On the palate, round and elegant with fresh acidity and an agreeable finish. 100% Stainless steel no malolactic fermentation

Food Pairings: This round Chardonnay is the natural choice for dishes such as pasta with white sauce, mild chicken, fish or fresh green salads. Also fantastic with camembert cheese.

Sauvignon Blanc Reserva

Sombras del  Sol  “Santa Rosa” Sauvignon Blanc, Valle de Maule, Chile: The oldest plantations from their Santa Rosa estate date back to the 1950s, and there is a combination of mainly Bordeaux varieties planted here. The estate is much closer to the Maule river and the soils are alluvial in origin with a clay texture with plenty of pebbles and round rocks. The warm, Mediterranean climate allows for full and healthy ripening of a wide range of grape varieties, and the vineyard has drip irrigation installed for dry years.

Tasting Notes: Pale yellow with green hues. On the nose, fresh with aromas of honeydew melon. On the palate, great acidity with notes of mangos, kiwi and pink grapefruit. 100% in stainless steel tanks.

Food Pairings: This Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully with sautéed vegetables, fresh salads or soft cheeses. It is also wonderful with raw seafood.

Merlot Reserva

Sombras del  Sol  “Santa Teresa” Merlot, Colchagua: A single vineyard wine from the Santa Teresa vineyard in Angostura. Some of the vines predate cloning and go back to their origins in Saint Emilion. All grapes are hand-picked and sorted. A temperate climate with a big diurnal daily range. Cool nights ensure great acidity, balance and aromatics. Terroir is a combination of clay and granite which imparts minerality and complexity.

Tasting Notes: Beautiful ruby color. Lively fruit aromas with notes of plum. On the palate, good body, fresh with nice, firm tannins. 20% aged in French oak barrels for 4 months; 80% in stainless steel tanks.

Food Pairings: Delicious with white meats such as chicken or turkey, it also goes very well with ostrich or pork cutlets.

Accolades:

Best Buy – Wine Enthusiast – Sombras del Sol Merlot 2011

Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva

Sombras del  Sol  “Santa Rosa” Cabernet Sauvignon, Maule Valle de Maule, Chile: The oldest plantations from their Santa Rosa estate date back to the 1950s, and there is a combination of mainly Bordeaux varieties planted here. The estate is much closer to the river and the soils are alluvial in origin with a clay texture with plenty of pebbles and round rocks. The warm, Mediterranean climate allows for full and healthy ripening of a wide range of grape varieties, and the vineyard has drip irrigation installed for dry years.

Tasting Notes: Dark red with violet hues. Elegant aromas of red fruit and spices. With a round structure and nicely balanced on the palate. Notes of chocolate, black cherries and dried plums. Good concentration, persistent while soft tannins lead to a good finish. 15% aged in French oak barrels for 5 months; 85% in stainless steel tanks.

Food Pairings: This wine’s best friend is definitely red meat. Enjoy it with juicy beef, barbecued burgers or a rack of ribs, together with sautéed vegetables and perhaps mashed potatoes.

Carmenere Reserva

Sombras del  Sol “Santa Rosa” Carmenere, Valle de Maule, Chile: The oldest plantations from their Santa Rosa estate date back to the 1950s, and there is a combination of mainly Bordeaux varieties planted here. The estate is much closer to the Maule River and the soils are alluvial in origin with a clay texture with plenty of pebbles and round rocks. The warm, Mediterranean climate allows for full and healthy ripening of a wide range of grape varieties, and the vineyard has drip irrigation installed for dry years.

Tasting Notes: Ruby red color. Gorgeous aroma. Hints of tobacco, black and red fruits. Round on the palate, soft tannins and balanced acidity with sweet fruit, cherries, and blackberry notes and a long finish. 15% aged in French oak barrels for 5 months; 85% in stainless steel tanks.

Food Pairings: This grape will accompany a surprisingly broad range of dishes from grilled chicken or turkey to Thai food and Turkish kebabs. If you are in the mood for dips, try it with fresh hummus.