4 HUGE WINE REGIONS OF CHILE WINE KINGDOM

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Coquimbo . sub-region

Elqui . Valley

Located near the southern tip of the Atacama Desert, the Elqui Valley has only been producing wine since about 1990. Located so close to the desert, it is much warmer and drier than much of the South. Precipitation rarely exceeds 3 inches annually, and the soil here is mostly rocky. The vines grow here both near the coast as well as at high altitudes along the Andes, where the hills are cooled by winds that blow from the Andes and down from the Pacific Ocean. Much of Chile’s “Pisco” wine is produced in Elqui, which also increases the number of Syrah grapes, which respond well to the cool air from the Andes. Large quantities of Sauvignon Blanc are also grown throughout the Elqui Valley.

Limarí Valley

On the white front, Chardonnay reigns kindly in Limarí, followed by the plotting of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Every morning during the growing season, a mist called Camanchaca comes from the Pacific Ocean and covers much of the region’s viticulture. When the sun finally appeared over the Andes in mid-morning, the fog returned to hibernation. Although Limarí is a bit further from the Atacama Desert, the rainfall here is still very small. Vintners uses a form of drip irrigation that forces the vine roots to work to create nutrients in the limestone soil. This helps to create delicate and complex mineral-rich wines.

Choapa Valley

A small growing subregion, the Choapa Valley is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah plantations. While viticulture is small and no actual winery exists in the area, some of the most exquisite Syrah trees in Chile are being grown in the Andes.

Subregions of Aconcagua

Aconcagua . Valley

Aconcagua manages to receive slightly more rainfall per year than its northern brethren. In addition, it receives an abundant amount of fresh water from the Aconcagua mountain that flows down all year round. Towards the heart of the valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir are planted in earnest. Closer to the Pacific Ocean, the growing areas of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are both beginning to gain popularity.

Casablanca Valley

One of my personal favorite wine growing regions, the Casablanca Valley saw its first wine grapes throughout the 1980s. Here, cool Pacific winds can reach the regions. valleys, giving rise to the beauty of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and more and more Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris. In addition to the cooler climate, rainfall is a bit more frequent here, and white wines tend to lean like rocks due to the soft clay and sandy soils in the area.

San Antonio Valley

As a coastal subregion, the San Antonio Valley offers the Vintners a milder climate due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The region is best known for its production of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay that is refined in terms of whites, while winemakers who can master the whimsical temperament of Pinot Noir can produce excellent quality. , dry red, fresh and light.

Central Valley Subregions

Maipo Valley

A popular destination for both locals and tourists, the Maipo Valley is located quite close to the city of Santiago. It is divided into three sub-regions: Alto Maipo, Central Maipo and Pacific Maipo. Each sub-region is known for producing wines of excellent quality (albeit often undervalued). Cabernet Sauvignon does extremely well in Alto Maipo and also takes up the most space, while the rest of the region produces quality Merlot, Carménère and Syrah – aside from smaller quantities of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Malbec.

Rapel . Valley

The Rapel Valley offers the Vintners the opportunity to create beautiful reds due to the two microclimates offered in the region. Northern Rapel, also known as Cachapoal Alto, produces stunning Cabernet Sauvignon. You’ll find lots of red at many of the major wine wholesalers from this region. Separately, as you approach the mountains of the Pacific Ocean and towards the Southern Colchagua Valley, the area planted to Carménère increases dramatically. Carménère is truly one of the most sought-after grape varieties in Chile, as it is one of the few New World regions that has succeeded in producing serious versions of red grapes.

Curicó Valley

Perhaps most noted for playing host to the San Pedro Winery, the Curicó Valley is also one of Chile’s oldest sites. This is arguably the most important area involved in paving the way for the rest of Chile to expand into wine development. Cabernet Sauvignon occupies the most area here, followed by Sauvignon Blanc plantations. Most of the wines produced here tend to be well-balanced, thanks to the more suitable and Mediterranean climate.

Maule Valley

One of the larger subregions of Chilean Wine Country, the Maule Valley is home to numerous Cabernet Sauvignon plantations. It is also one of the few regions actively producing Carignan in smaller quantities. These wines have elegant fruit flavors and grow in sandy and clay soils. Malbec from Maule is also always worth a try.

Southern Chile sub-regions

Itata Valley

One of the few regions in Chile that produces a fair amount of wine from the “ancient” Muscat of Alexandria. This grape variety has a sweeter taste, which is also used to make raisins. One of Chile’s most popular wines, and sometimes fortified wines are also made from Mission grapes in the Itata region. Aside from these somewhat obscure grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon from Itata is also quite delicious.

The Valley of Bío-Bío

The traditional cultivation of Chilean wine grapes here is somewhat minimal, due to the difficulty of growing grapes in the Bio-Bio. This region receives too much rainfall compared to many northern Chilean wine regions. However, if Vintners can navigate the complexities of avoiding oversaturation and rotting, Pinot Noir’s from the region can be surprisingly refreshing with bright red fruit and crisp acidity.

Malleco . Valley

This area receives the heaviest rainfall of any area in Chile currently. Planting here is relatively small, and the growers are even starting to work and experiment with Gewürztraminer. The weather here is fickle and the vineyards require a lot of care to be successful. As such, we don’t expect large output from Malleco at the moment, but keep an eye on their Pinot Noir as it develops over the years.

Cabernet Sauvignon does very well in Chile. Otherwise better in Napa Valley California. Image courtesy of Kobrand Wines and Spirits.

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