Written by Gurvinder Bhatia | 26 August 2010

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On the Cusp of Greatness?
Elqui to Casablanca
San Antonio to Bio Bio
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San Antonio
A relatively new wine region, defined in 2002. Vines cover the rolling hillsides as close as four kilometres from the Pacific and there is no barrier to the strong, cool maritime influence resulting in crisp, lean, mineral-fresh whites and vibrant, spicy reds. Leyda is the most prominent sub-zone. Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay stand out, but the cool climate Syrah is making an impact. Vina Leyda, Garces Silva, Casa Marin, and Matetic are all making outstanding wines.

Maipo
Three distinct sectors form the region, but we will focus on the Alto Maipo, whose vineyards rise into the Andean foothills from 400 to 800 metres above sea level. The afternoon sun warms the vineyards and the cool mountain breezes at night create a broad variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures, all of which makes for great conditions for bold yet elegant red wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. Chadwick, Cousino Macul, De Martino, and Undurraga are only a few prominent Maipo producers.

Colchagua
The southernmost portion of the Rapel Valley, the Colchagua sub-zone’s climate is temperate all year round and the enhanced maritime influence acts as a moderating factor for both the hottest and coldest yearly temperatures as well as for greater daily variation. The vineyards stretch to the foot of the Andes. Syrah and Carmenère do very well. There are a number of very good producers including Casa Lapostolle, Cono Sur, Estampa, La Playa, Montes, Neyen, and Emiliana.

Maule
Dry farming is practised in this traditional wine region. A wide variety of varietals are grown, many from old, low yielding vines that produce naturally concentrated fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenère, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Barbera and other experimental varieties are grown. The best wines are fresh with bright acidity and juicy fruit. Reserva de Caliboro, Chilcas, Chilensis, and O Fournier are standouts.

Bio-Bio
One of the southernmost wine regions in the world. Warm days and cold nights make for a long ripening season, but the Bio-Bio’s higher rainfall, strong winds, and broader extremes make for more challenging conditions than those of Chile’s more northerly regions. Cool-climate varieties such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir from Cono Sur, Veranda, Gracia, and Agustinos have shown promise.

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