CASABLANCA VALLEY

 

Located approximately 40 km southeast of Valparaiso, the CasablancaValley is an intermountain valley of the Coastal Mountain range and known for its privileged climate for growing white wine varieties. The grapes ripen slowly, which encourages very aromatic wines with delicate flavors.

Casablanca is blessed with maritime currents that enter the valley as coastal breezes which moderate temperatures and cool the vineyards. The average high temperature is 26°C (79°F), which results in a cool to warm climate. The soils are permeable and have little capacity for moisture retention.

The CasablancaValley is now Chile’s most important region for white grape production.

 

MAIPO VALLEY

 

This prestigious wine region includes Chile’s Metropolitan region and the country’s capital, Santiago. The most characteristic sectors include Santiago, Pirque, Puente Alto, Buin, Isla de Maipo, Talagante, and Melipilla. The valley stretches from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Ocean and takes its name from the river that flows through it.

Maipo was one of Chile’s first wine regions. It successfully produces a number of varieties, though it is especially known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which reaches extraordinary heights of quality in this region. Depending on the geographic location of the vineyards, the same varieties produce wines with varying degrees of fruitiness, aroma, and color. The most outstanding of all is Cabernet Sauvignon; in fact, the majority of the country’s finest Cabernets come from this region. Other notable varieties in the valley include Merlot, Carmenère, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon.

Soil and climate conditions make this region a privileged place for winegrowing. Fluvial soils receive 313 mm (12.3 inches) of rainfall per year, concentrated in the winter months. Average summer temperatures reach 25°C (77°F), with great variation between the daily high and low temperatures. The climate is generally Mediterranean, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

 

RAPEL VALLEY

 

The soils of the Rapel Valley tend to be alluvial and relatively shallow with a uniform loam-lime texture. The entire area has good drainage, high fertility, and tremendous agricultural aptitude. The primary wine grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon.

Rapel is one of Chile’s most heterogeneous areas and is divided into 2 wine regions for matters of Appellation of Origin. The Cachapoal Valley includes Rancagua, Mostazal, Requínoa, Rengo, and Peumo, while the Colchagua Valley includes San Fernando, Chimbarongo, Nancagua, Sta. Cruz, Palmilla, Peralillo, and Apalta.

 

 

CACHAPOAL VALLEY

 

Cachapoal is the northernmost sub-region of the Rapel Valley, which in turn is part of the Central Valley. Here the Coastal Range reaches its highest altitude. The valley includes approximately 9,000 hectares (2,240 acres) of vineyards and specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenère.

Black varieties receive the privileges of a temperate Mediterranean climate with an average annual temperature of 15°C (59°F). The vineyards with the greatest maritime influence are located near Peumo and benefit from maritime breezes and humidity. The vineyards closest to the Andes are protected from this phenomenon as they are located within the Intermediate Depression.

 

COLCHAGUA VALLEY

 

The Colchagua Valley is bounded by Cachapoal to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Andes Mountains to the east, and the Curicó Valley to the south. This region is particularly suited for Carmenère, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Colchagua is a transversal valley within Chile’s Central Valley and has unique climatic conditions. The four seasons are clearly defined and there is an extraordinary combination of maritime breezes and Andean winds, which allows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and others to ripen to perfection.