Valle Central Wine (180)

The Valle Central is vast! It stretches over 400 km from north to south. Wine from Valle Central is as diverse as the terroir in Chile's largest wine region, which is also known as Central Valley. The wine from the elevated valley is literally a high delight.

The Valleys of Valle Central

Valle Central consists of four valleys. To the north lies Maipo, followed by the Valle del Rapel, then Curicó, and finally in the south, Maule. These very large valleys and wine regions are sometimes further divided. For example, the Rapel consists of the wine regions of Cachapoal in the north and Colchagua in the south. The Maipo Valley is located close to the capital Santiago de Chile and is considered the first wine region of the Andean state. 

Because Maipo produces a variety of renowned wines, it has also been awarded the honorable title of "the Bordeaux of South America." In the four valleys of Valle Central, complex, aromatic wines are created. The differing climatic and geographical conditions of the elongated Valle Central promote a wide range of flavorful wines.

Maipo in Valle Central

The Valle del Maipo is historically and economically significant. On one hand, the flat terrain of Maipo is where the first grapevines are said to have been cultivated. It is likely that Spanish colonists brought viticulture to Chile in the 16th century. On the other hand, the Maipo region is regarded as the one in the South American state that produces the most prestigious wine. Between the Andes in the east and the Cordilleras in the west thrive delicious red wine varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon. The microclimate in this valley, which is less than 40 km south of the capital Santiago de Chile, is so variable that very good white wine grapes can also mature here. Generally, however, it is: hot days, cool nights. 

The growing areas in the elevated slopes of the Andes and the opposing mountain ranges are preferred for viticulture. At almost 800 m above sea level, the grapes ripen between heat and coolness. The river Maipo, which runs from its source in the Andes to the Pacific, is the namesake of the popular valley, measuring about 250 km in length. 

The subregions of the Maipo wine region are called Puerte Anto and Pirque. They are predominantly planted with French red wine grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Carmenère.

Important and Common Grape Varieties in Valle Central

Valle Central features many different grape varieties. Common and important ones include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Merlot
• Pinot Noir
• Carmenère
• Chardonnay
• Syrah

The Divided Rapel in Valle Central

The Rapel Valley is formed by the wine regions of Colchagua and Cachapoal. About a quarter of the Chilean wines come from here. The two subregions are particularly known for the red wines produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, or Syrah. Just like the Maipo Valley, the river gives its name to this main valley of Valle Central. Valle Rapel is about 100 km long and centrally located between mountains. Ultimately, the attention to Rapel Valley fades in favor of the two subregions Colchagua and Cachapoal. Both the high productivity of Cachapoal and the fine, fruity balance of wines from Colchagua are increasingly recognized internationally.

Southern Valle Central

The southern wine regions of Valle Central are Curicó and Maule. In particular, the Curicó Valley shows a high proportion of white grape varieties such as the often aromatically complex Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Visitors to the Curicó wine region especially appreciate the wine festival "Fiesta de la Vendimia de Curicó." It takes place for a week starting in mid-March. On the wine route ("Ruta del Vino del Valle de Curicó"), the local winemakers showcase their wines for tasting. The wine festival is musically accompanied in pleasant temperatures and exudes a charming South American flair.

The southernmost area of Valle Central is Maule. On about 24,000 ha, the grapes ripen under good conditions. Unlike the other valleys of Valle Central, this area receives more rain, especially in winter. It is somewhat cooler in this region, which is also due to the Maule River that originates in the Andes and flows into the Pacific. Characteristic soils of the valley include clay, granite, loam, gravel, and volcanic rock.

Interesting Facts about Wine from Valle Central

What is the vineyard area of the Valle Central wine region?

The vineyard area of the Valle Central wine region is immense. Overall, the vineyard areas of the four main valleys account for about 90% of the total vineyard area of Chile. This means approximately 124,000 ha of vineyard area in Valle Central.

Was Valle Central affected by the phylloxera plague in the 19th century?

No, Valle Central was not affected by the phylloxera plague. Chile is regarded as one of the only countries in the world, besides Cyprus, that has escaped the plague. Precisely for this reason, the wine region is particularly special. Own-rooted grape varieties that were previously imported from France to Valle Central were able to be brought back to the affected countries after the devastating effects of the pest plague.

Which grape variety is the most commonly planted in Valle Central?

The red grape variety Cabernet Sauvignon is planted most frequently in Valle Central. It constitutes about 30% of all grape varieties in this wine region.

Buy Wine from Valle Central

If you are now in the mood for indulgence from Valle Central, take a look at our online shop from VINELLO. You will find a balanced selection of exquisite wines from Valle Central in Chile. We offer you a first-class and comfortable service: you can conveniently and easily pay in our online shop. Safe and fast shipping awaits you. Order wine from Valle Central for yourself or as a gift for your relatives or friends.

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