Chile | Central Valley

Central Valley Vineyards of Chile

Chile's Central Valley viticultural region is the oldest, most traditional and internationally renowned wine region, due predominately to its proximity to the national capital of Santiago. It is located directly across the Andes from one of Argentina's most famous wine regions, Mendoza. Within the Central Valley there are four wine growing districts: the Maipo Valley, the Rapel Valley, the Curicó Valley and the Maule Valley.

The Maipo Valley is the closest to Santiago and extends eastwards from the city to the Andes and westward to the coast, stretching south toward the towns and subzones of Padre Hurtado, Peñaflor, Talagante, Isla de Maipo and Melipilla.

The Rapel Valley is one of the largest wine producing regions in the Central Valley and is made up of two smaller regions, the Cachapoal and Colchagua valleys. The warm, dry region makes a wide range of wine styles, ranging from everyday wines to some of Chile's most expensive and prestigious offerings.

The Curicó Valley is situated 120 miles south of Santiago and is divided into two sub-regions: the Teno valley in the north and Lontue in the south. Know principally for Chardonnay it also produces very fine Cabernet Sauvignon.

Furthest south of all is the Maule Valley, the largest and one of the oldest wine growing regions in the country. Old-bush, dry-farmed vineyards that predate the memories of those who tend them now produce exciting, naturally balanced field blends of Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and other yet to be identified varieties.