The Wines of Chile

Growing Regions

Chile’s main growing area is collectively known as The Central Valley. The most well known Chilean wine areas are located in The Central Valley. Running from North to South the valleys are: Maipo, Rapel, Curico and Maule. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most well known varietal in the north (due to the proximity to the desert), and the wines get lighter in terms of varietals as they move south (where it is colder). Maule was once known for bulk wines made from Pais, but this has changed in recent years. Now this region is home to some of the best Cabernet in the country. Sub regions like the Conchagua Valley are home to exotic blends of Cabernet and Syrah with the nationally famous variety of Carmenere blended together to give the wines a local taste profile.

Aconcagua is located north of the Central Valley.  It is divided into the Aconcagua Valley and the emerging Casablanca Valley. The Aconcagua is known for reds, while Casablanca (which is much cooler in temperature) is being developed, with great effort and cost, to produce white wines.

The Sur (Spanish for South), is the area just south to the Central Valley.  It contains the sub region of Itata and Bio-Bio which are currently being enhanced with s0me hefty investments.  With the changes in this area, we can expect to see many more quality wines come from this area in the future.