Vina Siegel
Colchagua Valley (Chile)

The Estate
 Alberto Siegel was born in Santiago in 1946, third generation in Chile of a German family. His grandfather was a German architect that built some very important and traditional buildings in downtown Santiago, at the beggining of the 20th century. Among those buildings, the one of the Chilean Federal Reserve.

His father, Don Germán, was a viticulturist that spent most of his career in charge of Viña San Pedro’s vineyards near the town of Molina, 140 miles south of Santiago. There Alberto grew up, literally in the middle of the vines. It was not a surprise then, that he decided to study Agronomy in the Universidad Católica, in Santiago. And not only that, he specialized in winemaking.

After finishing High School, he spent a year working in some wineries in Germany and when he came back in 1971, he joined the German company Bayer. His job then was to sell fertilisers to farm owners in the Colchagua area, 100 miles south of Santiago.  This job allowed him to know almost every land owner, of which most where grape growers and wine producers.


Siegel family


Alberto Siegel (center), his father (left), and the winemaker Nicolas Oyarzun (right)

A few years later and as a natural consequence, he started to act as wine and grape broker, selling the production of small owners to the big Chilean wineries. He established Sociedad La Laguna. He soon became the most important Chilean broker in this field, position that he holds today by far. There is hardly any Chilean person or Company involved in the wine business that has not dealt with Alberto Siegel at least once.

In parallel, and together with his father, Alberto founded Viña Siegel in 1980. They started planting vineyards in Colchagua and building the Winery in Santa Cruz. When Don Germán died in 1998, Alberto became sole owner together with his family. At the begining, Viña Siegel only sold bulk wines to the biggest Chilean wineries, like Concha y Toro, San Pedro and Santa Rita. In 1997, Alberto decided to enter the bottled wines business, and made the necessary investments to go ahead with this project. Now, the Winery has a capacity of 2 million gallons and the Company owns over 1,300 acres of vineyards in Colchagua.

New technology
For the last 15 years, the wine cellar was used exclusively for producing wines to be sold in bulk. It has recently been modernized and currently has a capacity of 7,500,000 liters. It uses such state of the art technology as vertical pneumatic presses, vacuum filters, and stainless steel tanks with total temperature control, for both cooling and heating. The Siegel Winery is a family operation, with Alberto Siegel as chairman and Chief winemaker. The winery has two consultants in enological matters.


The winery


The Vineyard
 The Siegel Winery owns a total of some 450 hectares in the Colchagua Valley. The varieties of grapes grown are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, with other new varieties increasingly in demand in the different markets soon to be added. In the last few years this winery¹s business orientation has taken a new turn with the decision to produce and market its own wines. The winery produces a range of varietal wines, along with reserve wines that highlight the quality of the grapevines born in this valley. They are products with world-class quality, for international distribution and consumption.

The Colchagua Valley is truly a synthesis of the country’s way of life and wine has been produced here since time out of mind. This area, which has deservedly been raised to the category of estate bottling in wine making, has maintained its prestige due to the great quality of its wines. One of its noted symbols is its high quality Cabernet Sauvignons, and its red wines in general. Its variety of soils and climatic variations, some warmer, some cooler, have given the region innumerable attributes for grapevine cultivation.


Maipo vineyards, Leyda Valley


Los Lingues - New vineyard

The wines

SAN ELIAS
It is a range of outstanding varietal wines produced from a careful grape selection and a very delicate vinification process. The wines are young though very intense, with brilliant and deep colors, very fruity and persistent flavors in the palate.


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#CH1EE186001CHS
UPC code: 7 84585 01146 9
2009 San Elias, Chardonnay, Central Valley 12/750ml
 The grapes for this Chardonnay are grown in vineyards in the Central Valley. This yellow colored wine has intense pineapple aromas, very fresh, with tropical flavors overtones.

National Retail Price: $7.99-$8.99 / bottle


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#CH1EE186002SBS
UPC code: 7 84585 01147 6
2009 San Elias, Sauvignon Blanc, Central Valley 12/750ml
 The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley. Pale in color with a goosberry bouquet, apple and citrus fruits aromas,  and fresh zesty flavor. Excellent aperitif or with salads, fish and poultry.

National Retail Price: $7.99-$8.99 / bottle


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#CH0EE186000CSM
UPC code: 7 84585 01138 4
2008 San Elias, Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Valley 12/750ml
 The grapes for this fruity Cabernet Sauvignon are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley. Smooth and fruity on the palate, the wine goes well with pasta, salads. Fresh and delicate cassis tones, a great structure. Draw the cork half an hour before serving and serve at room temperature.

"This wine has a nice purple color and the bouquet practically jumps from the glass; smoky, meaty notes; soon ripe cassis and black cherry emerge; the palate is similar, with the fruit taking the lead; nice tannin and acidity perk the fruit up again near the finish, which is crisp yet lingering. A top value."
- Beverage Dynamics (Jan/Feb. 10), 88 pts

National Retail Price: $7.99-$8.99 / bottle


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#CH0EE186003CMM
UPC code: 7 84585 01149 0
2008 San Elias, Carmenere, Central Valley 12/750ml
 The grapes for this Carménère are selected from  vineyards in the Central Valley. Beautiful red fruit aromas. Supple and round in the mouth, the wine pairs well with full flavored cheeses and lamb.

National Retail Price: $7.99-$8.99 / bottle


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UPC code: 7 84585 01148 3
2008 San Elias, Merlot, Central Valley 12/750ml
 The grapes for this Merlot are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley. Soft, rich and concentrated with juicy plum and blackberry fruits, soft tannins and a velvety texture. Try with hearty stews, pasta and roast red meats.
Draw cork half an hour before serving and serve at room temperature.


National Retail Price: $7.99-$8.99 / bottle


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UPC code: 7 84585 01151 3
2008 San Elias, Syrah, Central Valley 12/750ml
 The grapes for this Syrah are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley. The wine presents a deep red ruby color with elegant aromas of plum and blueberry. Juicy and persistent flavors of ripe black fruits and harmonious tannins.
Draw cork half an hour before serving and serve at room temperature.


National Retail Price: $7.99-$8.99/bottle

CRUCERO

Crucero Varietals have a spectacular appeal in color and flavor. They are round, very intense, and juicy.

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#CH1EE186007CHS
UPC code: 7 84585 01158 2
2009 Crucero, Chardonnay, Colchagua Valley 12/750ml
 Attractive yellow color with some green tones. Its intense varietal character evokes ripe citrus fruits, with floral and honeyed tones along with well integrated wood. In the mouth it is rich, round and fruity with some creamy notes. 

National Retail Price: $9.99 / bottle

#CH1AA186027CHS
UPC code: 7 84585 01203 9
2009 Crucero, Chardonnay, Colchagua Valley BIB 4/3.0 Liters
National Retail Price: $26.00 / 3 liter box

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UPC code: 7 84585 01159 9
2009 Crucero, Sauvignon Blanc, CuricoValley 12/750ml
Sauvignon Blanc is the fabled grape of both Bordeaux Blanc and the Loire Valley (Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume). This varietal exhibits aromas of musk melon, pine, & grass. The finish is zesty and citrus-like, and goes very well with chicken and seafood. This wine will peak in 2011.


National Retail Price: $9.99 / bottle

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UPC code: 7 84585 01205 3
2009 Crucero, Sauvignon Blanc, CuricoValley BIB 4/3.0 Liters
National Retail Price: $26.00 / 3 liter box

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#CH0EE186006CSM
UPC code: 7 84585 01157 5
2008 Crucero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley 12/750ml
 Lovely and intense ruby color. Beautiful aromas of red ripe fruits, strawberry jam, hints of plums and some vanilla notes. Mouthfilling, round, this balanced, concentrated and persistent red wine has a soft tannin structure.


National Retail Price: $9.99 / bottle

#CH0AA186025CSM
UPC code: 7 84585 01201 5
2008 Crucero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley BIB 4/3.0 Liters
National Retail Price: $26.00 / 3 liter box

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UPC code: 7 84585 01160 5
2008 Crucero, Shiraz, Colchagua Valley 12/750ml
Blue/purple color. Intense bouquet with scents of cassis and a touch of spice. Explosive fruits on the palate, with good structure, definition and balance. Clean, round and flavorful wine, very appealing.


National Retail Price: $9.99 / bottle

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UPC code: 7 84585 01177 3
2008 Crucero, Merlot, Colchagua Valley 12/750ml
Alcoholic fermentation between 26º and 28ºC to develop a very fruity wine. Four daily light pump-over to get a better structure. Some wine was left in post fermenting maceration. 100% malolactic fermentation.

Aged 25% in American oak barrels for 5 months.
Intense red color yet with some violet tones. The aromas remind one of cherries and blackcurrants, and the dark fruits tones are complemented with the vanilla and toasted touches of oak. In the mouth it is juicy, well bodied with soft tannins and great persistency.


National Retail Price: $9.99 / bottle

#CH0AA186028MRM
UPC code: 7 84585 01204 6
2008 Crucero, Merlot, Colchagua Valley BIB 4/3.0 Liters
National Retail Price: $26.00 / 3 liter box

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UPC code: 7 84585 01176 6
2008 Crucero, Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 12/750ml
 Pre-fermenting maceration at 15ºC for five days. Fermentation between 28º to 30ºC to get more color and structure. Four light pump-over are done daily. Post fermenting maceration for about two weeks. Then the juice was separated from the skins, which were pressed to extract more juice. 100% malolactic fermentation.
 Aged 25% in American oak barrels for 3 months.
 Fine deep color, with average plus density. A brooding  quite intense nose: earthy, prunes and pronounced touch of violets. Entry quite firm and clear cut, with fine acidity and good fruit that adds supleness. Excellent balance. Very good with lots of character.

Pairs well with chicken, pasta, red meats, cheeses

#CH0EE186024CMM
UPC code: 7 84585 01176 6
2007 Crucero, Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 12/750ml
 Pre-fermenting maceration at 15ºC for five days. Fermentation between 28º to 30ºC to get more color and structure. Four light pump-over are done daily. Post fermenting maceration for about two weeks. Then the juice was separated from the skins, which were pressed to extract more juice. 100% malolactic fermentation.
 Aged 25% in American oak barrels for 3 months.
 Fine deep color, with average plus density. A brooding  quite intense nose: earthy, prunes and pronounced touch of violets. Entry quite firm and clear cut, with fine acidity and good fruit that adds supleness. Excellent balance. Very good with lots of character.

Pairs well with chicken, pasta, red meats, cheeses



National Retail Price: $9.99 / bottle

CRUCERO RESERVA
The Reserva range from El Crucero includes wines of very high purity and quality. 
The wines are produced from fully matured grapes, then fermented and aged in French and American oak barrels.


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UPC code: 7 84585 01179 7
2009 Crucero, Reserva, Sauvignon Blanc, Colchagua Valley  12/750ml
100% Sauvignon Blanc hand picked in the morning to have low temperatures. Fermentation between 13º and 15ºC..
Clarification, cold stabilization and filtration. This Sauvignon Blanc has a beautiful pale yellow color with green tones. The nose offers delicate and intense aromas of citrus fruits and subtle notes of apricots. The palate shows a vibrant acidity with a smooth and persistent finish. 

National Retail Price: $12.99 / bottle


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UPC code: 7 84585 01181 0
2009 Crucero, Reserva, Chardonnay,  Colchagua Valley 12/750ml
Grapes are cooled and carried to the pneumatic press at the minimum possible temperature. Free-run juice fermented at 15º to 16 ºC. Finally, blend is made, clarified, cold stabilized and filtered.
Part of the wine is aged in barrels. Stirring of the lees for about four to six months. Filtration by plate and sterile membrane to ensure the microbiological stability of the wine.
Very intense yellow color with some golden tones. Tropical fruit aromas combined with subtle notes of honey and toasted barrels.


National Retail Price: $12.99 / bottle


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UPC code: 7 84585 01161 2
2007 Crucero, Reserva, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley 12/750ml
Deep red ruby color. Blackcurrant, spicy and vanilla notes, hints of black pepper, chocolate and red fruits, plum and jam. Very good concentration in the mouth, juicy, ample, hints of dry fruits and spices, good structure with firm tannins, and a nice length.


National Retail Price: $12.99 / bottle


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UPC code: 7 84585 01162 9
2007 Crucero, Reserva, Syrah, Colchagua Valley 12/750ml
Syrah, the legendary grape of the Northern Rhone AOC’s of Cote Rotie, Hermitage, and Cornas delivers ample flavor for a reasonable price. This Reserve Syrah is aged in French oak for 6 months. The wine exhibits ripe black fruit flavors and a touch of white pepper. This medium bodied red wine will age well for 3-5 years. Serve with red meat, game, and stews.


National Retail Price: $12.99 / bottle


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#CH0EE186014CMM
UPC code: 7 84585 01180 3
2007 Crucero, Reserva, Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 12/750ml
 90% Carménère, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Pre - fermenting maceration at 15ºC for five days.
Fermentation between 28º to 30ºC to get more color and structure. Four light pumping over are done daily. Skin contact maceration for about two weeks. Then the juice was separated from the skins, which were pressed to extract more juice. 100% malolactic fermentation.
Aging in American and French oak for 10 to 12  months
Before bottling the wine is cold stabilized and filtered through thick earth and wide plates.
Fine deep color, with average plus density. A brooding quite intense nose: earthy, spicy, prunes and pronounced touch of violets. Entry quite firm and clear cut, with fine acidity and good fruit that adds suppleness. Excellent balance and lots of character


National Retail Price: $12.99 / bottle


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UPC code: 7 84585 01178 0
2007 Crucero, Reserva, Merlot, Colchagua Valley 12/750ml
 Pre-fermenting maceration for five days, alcoholic fermentation at 28º-30º C to extract most of the polyphenols, post fermenting maceration two to three weeks. Part of the wine is fermented in barrels for six months. Malolactic fermentation in tanks.
Aged in 50% oak barrels (American and French) for 10 months.
A red ruby color, complex aromas with hints of black fruits, confiture and some spicy aromas in perfect harmony with the wood. The palate displays juicy and soft tannins that makes the wine very easy to drink. A long and persistent finish.
Pairs well with chicken, game, pasta.


National Retail Price: $12.99 / bottle

GRAN CRUCERO
The wines are produced from the best vineyards, from grapes harvested at their ideal maturity, and aged in French and American oak barrels.


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#CH0EE186018CMM
UPC code: 7 84585 01182 7
2006 Gran Crucero, Limited Edition, Colchagua Valley 6/750ml
 55% Carmenere, 30% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.  1,500 cases produced.
The grapes are carefully hand picked, selected and taken to the crusher where the stems are separated. They are placed in stainless steel tanks for cold maceration for 5 to 6 days. Temperature is carefully raised to start fermentation at 24ºC and 28ºC in order to keep varietal aromas. During the initial fermentation, a daily pump over is done and when fermentation is finished part of the wine is left in post fermenting maceration for 2 to 3 weeks; it is then separated from the skins and pressed. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels (30% American and 70% French), where the wine stays for about 16 months. Finally a soft clarification and a cold stabilization when necessary are done.
Aged in American and French oak barrels for 14 months.
Lovely and intense violet color. It has aromas of confiture, notes of spices, green and red pepper, well complemented with smoky tones and intense coffee and tobacco aromas. Soft tannins, it is a rounded and expressive wine, very generous, nice concentration and sweet flavors to the end, with spicy and peppery flavors.


National Retail Price: $26.95 / bottle