The Harvest Inspection Team Arrives
Laura (7), Eduardo (5), and Christian (1) arrive with Eduardo (general manager) and Laura (marketing manager) at beautiful Casas del Bosque vineyard and winery. In the Southern hemisphere, harvest occurs in March. These pictures were taken about six months ago. So remember that southern hemisphere vintages are more mature than their northern counterparts - a Chilean 2005 is a half-year more mature than a California 2005.

Grapes Lovingly Picked in Small Bins
As only small vineyards can, Casas del Bosque handpicks its grapes in small quantities. Shown here are 2006 Pinot Noir grapes. You can see by their rich color that they've been ripening on the vine until the very last minute - they are at the peak of ripeness!

Exacting Standard of Excellence
Eduardo is showing us the grapes that have been discarded, a sign of the high standards at Casas del Boque. The grapes are picked so ripe that a significant portion must be thrown away due to botrytis. Botrytis is a fungus that grows on very mature grapes because the sugar content is higher than in greener grapes. Larger wineries save money by mass-picking their grapes when they are green. Small artisan wineries are not willing to compromise quality by adding even a few unripe green grapes, which can be bitter. For Casas del Bosque, even though some of the harvest must be thrown away, it's worth it to ensure that the rest of the grapes are perfect!

Two-Step Hand Selection
Laura shows how CDB ensures the best grapes go into Casa Viva Pinot Noir. First, a team of 8 people select only the finest bunches (about half- discarding the other half as Eduardo showed us.) Then, the grapes pass through the destemmer and washer. Finally, a second team of about 6 people examines individual grapes by using a special conveyor belt that bounes ever-so-softly to rotate the grapes so that all sides are visible.

In the Tank
This is the beginning of your Casa Viva Pinot Noir. The grapes are gently deposited in the tank by a conveyor belt. The only thing added is a little bit of yeast. Here's what the grapes look like in the tank.

Modern Facilities
Laura shows off the modern stainless steel tanks. Most small Chilean wineries have an advantage since their equipment is new.

Barrel Room
The expansive tranquility of the barrel room is where all Casas del Bosque wines, including Casa Viva Pinot Noir, age in fine French oak until they are ready to be released.

Sunshine and Cool Pacific Breeze
Proof that the sun is warm and the wind is cold - Laura and Eduardo play outside. See Laura's hair blowing in the wind! Casas del Bosque is only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, but at a very sunny 32 degrees south!

Future Winemaker?
His initials are CAV after all!

Scenic Hawthorne Tree
The team visit a look out at the windswept hawthorne, symbol of Casas del Bosque winery shown on their finest bottles.

Salud!
Laura and Eduardo offer you a goodbye cheers (with soda). Toast them back with Casa Viva Pinot Noir this fall!