THE CHILEAN WINE VALLEYS | The Chilean Wine Valleys

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THE CHILEAN WINE VALLEYS

"This is my glass; you see
the blood
shinning behind the sharp edges of the crystal?
This is my glass, I toast
for the unity
of the wine,
for the dispersed light,
for my destiny and for the destinies,
for what I had and for what I didn´t have, and for the red-colored sword
that sings together with the transparent glass."

(Pablo Neruda, "Las manos del día")

THE CHILEAN WINE VALLEYS
Mountains peaks reaching for the clear blue skies, fertile valleys with their rivers winding through spacious terrain and between green rolling hills heading towards the ocean. A local Chilean cowboy, called "huaso," dressed with his characteristic hat and his colorful poncho outfit, riding on his horse alongside the vast vineyards greets you in his most welcoming way. This is the perfect setting to let you sample superb wine; enjoy marvelous food and overnight at a boutique vineyard hotel. Whether you're a wine aficionado, or just curios, experiencing the wine scene in Chile may just convert you. We will be happy to put together your perfect wine journey tailored to your needs and group size.

DEMARCATED WINE REGIONS
• Limarí Valley: With its semi-arid climate and high summer temperatures, Limarí is something of an oasis. Its topography allows sea breezes to enter the transversal valley during the day, and a fog, known locally as 'camanchaca' cools the air at around dawn. Mostly Chardonnay and Syrah is produced here.
• Aconcagua Valley: This northern hot and generally arid region is best suited for red wine production. Some quality Cabernet Sauvignon is produced.
• Casablanca Valley: One of the new quality regions in Chile, Casablanca is a relatively cool and largely coastal region producing classy Chardonnay and top-notch Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noir was planted in an attempt to exploit its cool climate conditions with one of the amazing grape varieties appreciated amongst knowledgeable wine consumers. Some of Chile's top wines come from this small region.

• Maipó Valley: The Maipó region, just south of Santiago, is one of Chile's best-known and longest established quality wine regions. Here also are some of the biggest names of the Chilean production. Cabernet Sauvignon is the mainstay of the region and quality is high. • Cachapoal Valley: Recognized as an excellent zone for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot toward the warmer west, the eminence of the Carmenère is outstanding. The region has a particularly good reputation for full-bodied wines. • Colchagua Valley: Stands out as the zone par excellence for the Carmenère variety and remarkable Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The valley is home to Chile's new boutique wineries that produce almost exclusively for export. At the heart of central Chile, Colchagua combines the best of country traditions, hospitality and modern winery, setting new standards in wine production as well as an example in local development and integration through cooperation at all levels. Colchagua Valley now can be experienced aboard the historic "Tren del Vino" a steam engine train offering wine tasting and folklore entertainment while passing by the valleys most famous vineyards. • Curicó Valley: The Curico is one of the cooler regions of Chile due, mainly, to the effect of the Pacific Ocean. Exceptional area for		Sauvignon Blanc, and, in the warmer section, the most excellent wine is the Cabernet Sauvignon, although Merlot is also significant. • Maule Valley: The Maule Valley is the most extensive winemaking region in Chile with the greater part of its vineyards in the valley and on the slopes of the coastal mountains. Many white varieties, predominantly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and many red varieties, mainly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and recently Carmenère, are produced here. • Itata Valley: Much of the vine planting is located on the eastern slopes of the coastal mountains amongst pine forests. The climate is similar to the Maule Valley but tending to be more humid. Soils are predominantly reddish-brown volcanic sand, suitable for red and white varieties. • Bio Bio Valley: This cool climate region is attracting much attention for its suitability, especially for such varieties as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, and more recently, Pinot Noir. Situated at about 600 km / 373 mi south of Santiago, Bío Bío is on the very southerly edge of viable grape growing, but the cooler temperatures and lengthy ripening periods give great acidity and freshness to the wines.

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