Winegrowing
Regions
CHILE IS AN INNOVATIVE AND VAST WINE-GROWING REGION, WITH HUNDREDS OF VALLEYS WITH EXQUISITE GRAPES FROM THE DRY NORTH, TO THE HILLY CENTRAL VALLEY, TO THE FERTILE SOILS OF THE SOUTH!
Chile is a historic wine-growing region and home to some of the world’s most recognized wine brands. From mountain slopes to coastal hills, discover a variety of Chile’s most admired origins.
WINE’S CONTRIBUTION
Wine makes a significant contribution to the Chilean economy, representing 0.5% of the gross domestic product and employing more than 100,000 people in direct labour, of which 53% work in the vineyards, followed by 19% in logistics, transportation and marketing, 17% in wineries, 9% in bottling and 2% in production.
Today in Chile there are 800 active wineries, 11,697 producers and 394 export companies, 76% of which are SMEs (Small and medium-sized enterprises). In addition, the decentralizing role of wine in Chile should be highlighted, as 91% of the wine-growing area, 92% of the wineries and 85% of the work associated with this industry is located outside the Metropolitan Region of Santiago. The regions with the highest concentration of vineyards are O’Higgins (32.7%) and Maule (37.9%).
The wine industry is one of the most important industries in Chile. It should be noted that wine in Chile makes up 5.7% of the non-copper exports, 16.5% of agricultural exports and, additionally, contributes US$205 million in tax revenues from VAT and Chilean alcohol taxes.
0.5% of GDP.
100.000 jobs.
800 active wineries.
394 export companies (76% SMEs).
5.7% of non-copper exports.
16.5% of agricultural exports.
US$205 million in payment of VAT and Chilean alcohol taxes.
91% of the wine-growing region is located outside of the Metropolitan Region of Santiago.
92% of wineries are located outside of the Metropolitan Region of Santiago.
Chile's
geographical
zones
The Andes, the longest mountain range in the world, is undoubtedly one of the defining factors of Chile’s geography, creating a natural border to the country’s east that stretches from the dry northern desert to the southern reaches of Patagonia. With sedimentary soil and cool mountain breezes carried from high altitude down into the valleys, the Andes Mountains provide freshness, temperature control and solar regulation. These climatic effects help the vines to ripen slowly, preserving the acidity in the fruit, achieving wines with very good natural acidity, excellent colour and balance.
The cool breeze from the Pacific Ocean colliding with the powerful wind from the Andes Mountains generates a particularly beneficial cool climate in the coastal area, where Chile’s white wine varieties and reds from cool climates find their optimal ripening point. Thanks to the influence of the Humboldt Current, a fresh natural environment is produced for viticulture, which, together with the minerality of the soils and the almost constant presence of morning fog, allows a slow maturation of the grapes, resulting in extremely complex and elegant wines, with mineral notes and high natural acidity.
Chile’s vibrant viticulture has historically been concentrated in the Central Valley, a long strip of land framed by the Andes to the east and the mountains of the coastal range to the west that makes up this “space between mountain ranges,” offering a multitude of terroirs, marked by a Mediterranean climate, high solar radiation, sedimentary soils and the presence of cold nights, which foster a very healthy viticulture and the development of deep red wines with character.
Chile's geographical zones
The Andes, the longest mountain range in the world, is undoubtedly one of the defining factors of Chile’s geography, creating a natural border to the country’s east that stretches from the dry northern desert to the southern reaches of Patagonia. With sedimentary soil and cool mountain breezes carried from high altitude down into the valleys, the Andes Mountains provide freshness, temperature control and solar regulation. These climatic effects help the vines to ripen slowly, preserving the acidity in the fruit, achieving wines with very good natural acidity, excellent colour and balance.
The cool breeze from the Pacific Ocean colliding with the powerful wind from the Andes Mountains generates a particularly beneficial cool climate in the coastal area, where Chile’s white wine varieties and reds from cool climates find their optimal ripening point. Thanks to the influence of the Humboldt Current, a fresh natural environment is produced for viticulture, which, together with the minerality of the soils and the almost constant presence of morning fog, allows a slow maturation of the grapes, resulting in extremely complex and elegant wines, with mineral notes and high natural acidity.
Chile’s vibrant viticulture has historically been concentrated in the Central Valley, a long strip of land framed by the Andes to the east and the mountains of the coastal range to the west that makes up this “space between mountain ranges,” offering a multitude of terroirs, marked by a Mediterranean climate, high solar radiation, sedimentary soils and the presence of cold nights, which foster a very healthy viticulture and the development of deep red wines with character.
•ORIGO Ediciones. Mapa Regiones del Vino Chileno.
Explore the valleys
COPIAPÓ VALLEY
Copiapó, the northernmost wine producing valley-recently included in the country’s wine producing areas-is part of Chile’s Atacama region and home to the world’s driest non-polar desert. In this desert climate, small winemaking projects are irrigated with water from natural oases. Most of the vineyards in Copiapó are planted with Pisco grapes, used for the production of this national grape distillate.
HUASCO VALLEY
Huasco is a new frontier and discovery for Chilean wine. Located on the edge of the Atacama Desert, exceptional wines can be produced in this arid climate. This region can be subdivided into 2 regions: Huasco Costa and Huasco Alto. In Huasco Costa, about 20 km from the Pacific Ocean, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Syrah wines grow under the cool coastal influence with the morning fog and strong breezes from the Pacific coast. The combination of these factors, together with the calcareous soils, produces elegant and complex wines, with marked natural acidity, minerality and notes of salinity. On the other hand, in Huasco Alto, inland from Vallenar, known as the Alto del Carmen region, fresh, sweet and aromatic wines have historically been produced under the name of “pajarete”, a very aromatic blend of different muscatel grapes, cultivated at more than 1,100 meters above sea level.
ELQUI VALLEY
Located in the Coquimbo Region, the Elqui Valley is an arid area where crystalline skies lie over some of the most important astronomical observatories in the world. Here the vineyards have been able to enjoy some of the greenery that dots the mountainsides; while rustic soils provide the vines with the right environment, especially for the Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc grapes which are leading varieties in the region.
LIMARÍ AND CHOAPA VALLEYS
The rich archaeological heritage of the area indicates that both valleys were appreciated for their agricultural importance since pre-Hispanic times. The topography of the region is responsible for the presence of the fog called “la camanchaca” that brings humidity to the valley every morning and then burns off, and the terroirs are cooled by the ocean breeze in the afternoon. The Limarí Valley is recognized within Chile for the presence of calcareous soils and its excellent potential for the production of Chardonnay, likewise, the valley’s Syrahs have been recognized worldwide; also it is beginning to produce exceptional Pinot Noir in recent years. The small Choapa Valley, further inland and located in the mountains, also produces very interesting Syrah.
ACONCAGUA VALLEY
Its basin is formed by the Aconcagua River, which runs from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. On its banks there are alluvial and colluvial terraces that are ideal for growing grapes. Red varieties have a long tradition in the inland valley near the Andes, while Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, cool climate-loving varieties, are thriving and showing excellent results in the coastal zone of the valley.
CASABLANCA VALLEY
Chile’s pioneering cool-climate wine region, Casablanca, is known for its Pacific maritime influence that brings a cool morning fog and old granitic clay soils that create a rich tapestry of terroir. These factors help to make this valley one of Chile’s leading white wine producers. The higher, warmer, frost-free elevations are conducive to red varieties such as Merlot and Syrah, while the lower, cooler areas are favourable for vibrant whites with distinctive minerality, that make Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay the Casablanca Valley’s most iconic varieties.
SAN ANTONIO VALLEY
The small and relatively new San Antonio Valley has three main sectors, Leyda, Lo Abarca and Rosario, making it an area that is continually evolving. The soil is characteristically thin and rocky as a result of the valley’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, producing white wines renowned for their minerality and intense acidity as well as reds full of concentrated fruit and natural persisting acidity. With steep coastal hillsides that are home to the area’s vineyards, the San Antonio Valley shows great potential for the production of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Further inland are some of the best and most intense cool-climate Syrahs in the country.
MAIPO VALLEY
The Maipo Valley is one of Chile’s most renowned wine regions and has earned its reputation for being the birthplace of excellent and renowned red wines. Its vineyards are privileged with a mild Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The region has eastern vineyards located in the foothills of the Andes and western vineyards that extend to the sandy soils of the coastal range. The main variety planted is Cabernet Sauvignon, characteristically complex with well-structured tannins. Other red varieties that thrive in the valley are Merlot, Syrah and Carménère.
CACHAPOAL VALLEY
The northern half of the greater Rapel Valley has traditionally been known for its red wines, particularly Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which represent approximately 80% of the region’s total production. The valley has varied microclimates that create the right environment for a wide range of wines, from cool-climate varieties in the elevated vineyards in the foothills of the Andes, to warmer varieties in the areas surrounding Lake Rapel along the coastal hills. In this valley, the gentle breezes from the Pacific Ocean and the clay soils come together to create one of the most outstanding Carménère producing regions in the country.
COLCHAGUA VALLEY
Located in the southern half of the Rapel Valley, the Colchagua Valley has evolved over the last twenty years from a quiet expanse of farmland to one of the largest and most active wine regions in the country. The relatively low elevation of the coastal hills allows the Pacific breezes to interact with the Andean winds, cooling the valley and extending the ripening period of the region, which benefits the preservation of acidity in the grapes, generating reds of excellent colour, great freshness and very good cellaring capacity. The vast majority of the wine produced here is red, with a particular propensity for the production of Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, although recent plantings near the coast have also proven to be a region with great potential for cool-climate white wines.
CURICÓ VALLEY
MAULE VALLEY
Chile’s largest winegrowing region is also one of the most diverse in terms of geography and climate, encompassing the Andes to the east, the flat, sunny valleys along the central corridor and the coastal hills to the west, allowing both red and white varieties to find an optimal terroir in which to be grown. With a Mediterranean climate and a strong influence of the cold wind from the Andes Mountains at night, which increases the daily temperature range and reduces the period of maximum temperatures, the fruit matures slowly and in good conditions. Unlike many other growing regions in Chile, the Maule Valley has no maritime influence, but maintains a favourable daytime temperature differential. These climatic conditions impart a unique aromatic intensity to the Carménère, characteristically full of spice and black pepper from this region, and allow Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to thrive as well. Maule is also home to some of the country’s oldest vineyards, dry-farmed viticulture and head trained vines, and is an excellent area to find exceptional Carignan.
itata Valley
With more than 500 years of history, the Itata Valley, one of the oldest wine-growing areas in the country and whose name means “abundant pastures” in Mapudungun, as it was the Mapuches who inhabited the area before the arrival of the conquistadores. It is geographically located in the Bío-Bío region, in the province of Ñuble. Its humid Mediterranean climate, the presence of lower temperatures compared to in other valleys, well-differentiated seasons and sandy granitic soils rich in minerals, are what give rise to high productivity and favour the growth of traditional varieties such as País and Moscatel de Alejandría, that predominate in the region. Currently, wineries are seeking to rescue this ancient winemaking legacy that had been forgotten, cultivating fine varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Merlot, Tintorera, Semillón, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, among others, with a focus on organic production and high quality standards. .
BÍO BÍO & MALLECO VALLEYS
The Bío-Bío Valley marks the real transition to Chile’s deep south. It was previously considered too far south for viticulture, although in recent times it has been joined by the Austral Region, even further south. The cool climatic conditions are favourable for Burgundian varieties, with Chardonnay and especially Pinot Noir, offering very promising results. It is also a suitable area for other white varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, south of the Bio Bío River. With a cold and windy climate in the vicinity of the Bio Bio, even in summer, its rainfall reaches 1,100 mm per year. Its soils are naturally sandy and stony, and the organic fluvial deposits make it fertile and productive. Malleco, located between the Andes and Nahuelbuta mountain ranges, is the smallest and southernmost sub-zone that extends up to the 40º latitude south. The Malleco Valley is the cradle of cool-climate varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
CAUTIN VALLEY
With a handful of hectares dedicated to wine production, Cautín is part of the Austral region in the extreme south of Chile. There are two sub-regions within the Cautín Valley: Perquenco and Galvarino.
OSORNO VALLEY
Traditionally a region for cattle and milk production, with virgin soils of volcanic origin, vines were first planted in the year 2000 as an experiment, and since then plantings have been increasing. With a high amount of precipitation that falls throughout the year, and generally cold temperatures, with an average annual temperature that reaches 10°C and deep, stratified, volcanic soils, the Osorno Valley has made its way to be considered a cool climate valley, presenting excellent results for Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling. To date, vines are planted are near Ranco Lake and the Rio Bueno Valley. The resulting wines have great mineral character, are elegant, intense and have a refreshing acidity with lower alcohol content. High quality sparkling wines are also being developed in the region.
Discover Our Grapes
Cabernet Franc produces softer wines than Cabernet Sauvignon. It is grown to produce red or rosé wines. Wines from Cabernet Franc have lower tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon and are therefore usually blended to obtain a more subtle and complex blend, accelerating aging and evolution. Slightly floral, with a soft texture and acidity that is never too high, Cabernet Franc also has a strong presence of herbal aromas, which is perhaps the main reason why in Chile, and around the world there are not many true examples of the variety.
Recognized worldwide, this grape variety is known for producing the king of red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon has made Chile its second home since its arrival from France in the mid-19th century. This late-ripening red grape flourishes in vineyards in the Aconcagua, Maipo, Cachapoal and Colchagua valleys. It is in these valleys where bright sunshine and the breeze from the Andes Mountains provides cool nights, with the absence of rain in summer, making it possible to achieve, over the vintages and years, a consistent Cabernet of the highest quality. We can find optimum ripeness that gives notes of red fruits, aromas of black currant, figs and cocoa, and even truffles.
Known as Carignane in the United States, Carignano in Italy and Mazuelo and Cariñena in Spain, this is a variety with high acidity, high tannins and deep colour. Carignan vines are mainly head-trained and late ripening. In Chile it expresses itself very well in the dry coastal area in the Maule regions, where it has an association of producers who have coordinated efforts to create the shared brand VIGNO, with precise indications of terroir, winemaking and viticulture, with outstanding results. In terms of food pairing, it is an excellent variety to accompany meats, as well as sausages and dishes with smoky notes.
This variety has become one of Chile's emblematic reds. This grape disappeared from European vineyards in the mid-19th century and reappeared among the Merlot vines in Chile one hundred years later. Chile became its refuge worldwide, with the Colchagua terroir having the largest area planted with this variety. The Chilean climate, dry during the ripening months, has allowed a favourable adaptation of this late variety, which is highly demanding of a suitable terroir. Its oenological potential is immense, of great complexity and elegance, characterized by its intense garnet red colour, aromas of red fruits, damp earth and spices. A unique grape to be enjoyed with Chilean cuisine, thanks to the spices characteristic of the varietal.
Cinsault is a red variety known for centuries, originating from the south of France, recognized and used in Châteauneuf du Pape and Languedoc Roussillon. In South Africa it was called Hermitage, so crossing it with Pinot Noir gave rise to the Pinotage grape. It has a good resistance to drought. In Chile it has found its place in the center-south zone of the country, more specifically in the Itata Valley. This region, also known as Secano costero, is home to some of the few Cinsault monovarietals produced in Chile, that critics note as being easy to drink, fresh, tremendously fruity and with enormous potential.
Malbec is a versatile red wine, with an intense red colour with marked violet and bluish hues, and aromas that evoke berries, with soft, round tannins. The grape variety originates from Cahors, located in the southwest of France, and the first plantings of this variety in South America were in Chile in the 19th century. Chilean Malbec, coming from cooler areas, is characteristically fresh and elegant. With a strong presence of juicy fruit on the palate, its tannins are generally soft and silky. It is full-bodied and lushly textured, and can be vinified on its own or used in blends. In terms of food pairing, it is the ideal wine to accompany grilled meats.
Still one of the most produced varieties worldwide, this fruity red with a smooth texture is extremely easy to drink. Hailing from the Bordeaux region, it made its way to Chile in the mid-19th century, but was not truly popular until the early 1990s. It offers velvety, elegant and highly drinkable wines.
The País grape arrived in Chile along with the Spanish missions in the 16th century. The Spanish missionaries needed a wine to celebrate mass, and a wine that could be kept throughout the year, without losing its quality. And so, the País grape was chosen to "evangelize" the New World. The País grape is a rustic grape, which grows in adverse climates, making it a hardy variety. It has been developed in the central-southern zone of Chile, in the dry interior that begins south of Santiago and ends at the Yumbel, in the foothills of the Coastal Range. A terroir that has managed to keep centennial vineyards of more than 200 years old, still active, and that in recent years have seen great interest from the press and consumers.
It is one of the characteristic red grape varieties of Bordeaux. Its plantings are not very widespread worldwide, being generally part of red assemblages in high quality wines. It comes from a grape variety that ripens late and is highly resistant to rot. It has thick skins (a characteristic it shares with Cabernet Sauvignon), high tannin content, great concentration and rich colour.
With the search for cool-climate Chilean terroirs has come an increasing number of vineyards that provide the precise conditions for this prized and delicate variety to develop and delight Pinot fans around the world. Highly demanding of good terroir, cool-climate areas such as Casablanca, San Antonio and Bío Bío are becoming exciting Pinot regions, producing wines of incredible quality and highly competitive with their counterparts worldwide. In addition, and thanks to the cold nocturnal climatic conditions characteristic of the Chilean wine producing valleys, Chilean Pinot Noir achieves wines of excellent colour, long aging, and just the right freshness that this grape variety requires.
If there is one word that defines this grape variety, it is versatility. A variety that changes and transforms completely depending on the terroir it inhabits, which has been demonstrated in the great variety of Chilean terroirs to which it has adapted. In warm climates, such as Colchagua, it shows big, vigorous wines with black fruit aromas. In cooler climates like San Antonio or Elqui, it becomes a sublimely spicy and complex wine, often topping international tasting panel lists. In addition to its versatility and great character, this varietal, in relation to its viticulture, is characterized by its high vigour in the first years of life, giving way to stronger plants that bear more fruit as the years go by.
A worldwide favourite among white wines, this grape has shown to be well-adapted to cool climate areas such as Casablanca, San Antonio, Aconcagua and now more recently, in Limarí, with great success, where it acquires an attractive minerality thanks to the calcareous soils of the area, and the sea breeze that cools the entire Chilean territory. Intense on the palate, it is a grape variety that is vibrant in the right terroirs, producing grapes that are enhanced with aging in oak, giving complexity and toasted hazelnut tones in just the right measure. A varietal that is perfect with fatty fish and white meats.
This varietal was the most widely planted white grape in Chile in the 1960s, but its production declined sharply in later decades, it was nearly forgotten for some time. Today, however, this varietal has begun a true rediscovery of its identity in Chile, with national wineries presenting a nouvelle vague of this variety. Viticulturally, it is quite resistant to diseases, except for rot. The grape ripens early, acquiring a pinkish hue in temperate climates. It is a grape variety with many uses: dry or sweet wines can be produced. In addition, Semillon has the virtue, together with Riesling, of becoming one of the white varieties with the greatest aging potential.
Intimately linked to cool climates, and historically to Chile's Casablanca Valley, this variety is defined by the word freshness. With highly aromatic wines, characterized by citrus fruit, green apple, crisp pear, and/or pineapple, with a stony, steely mineral edge. Notes that pair with marine and coastal recipes, which demand a vibrant wine that balances the power of these dishes. Without a doubt, Chilean Sauvignon Blanc has found its home in South America, with the Pacific Ocean being its best ally to exalt its freshest features.
As new cool climate zones open up, Chilean producers are taking a renewed interest in this grape of German origin. In Chile, Riesling is grown mainly in the cooler valleys south of Santiago: Rapel, Curicó and Maule. Innovative winemakers have been interested in experimenting with Riesling in recent years. Its flavour is light and fresh, sometimes mineral, and its aroma is marked by various citrus varieties, such as grapefruit and lemon, as well as notes of apple and passion fruit.
Although it has been present in Chile for a couple of decades, Viognier is one of the least explored white wines in the country. An early budding variety with a medium ripening period, it needs a warm climate with adequate sunshine, giving very good results on granitic soils. Unlike well-known Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, it is a variety that enjoys heat and is more powerful and full-bodied. Fresh and intense, its spicy notes make Viognier a versatile accompaniment for an infinite number of summer recipes, and at the table in general, being able to pair with heavier meats, such as pork.
