Casablanca Valley

Chile’s move toward cool-climate viticulture began 25 years ago when innovative winemakers dared to suggest planting in the pre-coastal region of Casablanca Valley.  Chardonnay continues to reign, but Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir – two of Chile’s most attention-grabbing varietals – are on the rise. Now with time and experience under their belts, growers have better identified the ideal locations for each variety in this valley that has many distinctive microclimates born of small valleys, rivers, rises and vegetation, as well as varied terroirs. 

Major wine varieties from the Casablanca Valley: Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Riesling 

Neihboring wine valleys of note include:

San Antonio Valley

Once known primarily as a working port, the inland part of San Antonio has proven fruitful for bold growers who use the cool ocean breezes to their advantage. San Antonio is now a premium area for producing cool, weather-loving grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Despite some challenging environmental conditions, distinctive crisp and mineral-edged wines make the effort well worth the trouble. 

Leyda Valley

This could be considered a subsection of the San Antonio Valley, an area with a strong cooling Pacific influence from the Humboldt Current. It has granite soil, with rolling hills at up to 30 degrees of incline. The Leyda Valley is known for its Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc wines, but also produces Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Gris, the last two of which are a bit unusual, though not unheard of for Chile.  

Major wine wine varieties from the San Antonio/Leyda Valleys: Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Sauvignon Gris.