Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Merlot Here, the soils are more granitic, and the vineyards use water from the Maipo river to grow healthy and juicy grapes. Vine growing in this area is possible thanks to the cool breeze from the Pacific Ocean that mitigates the hot and dry weather. The Sant Antonio Valley sub-region is located south of the Casablanca Valley. Differently from the inland, the Aconcagua Costa area is now specializing in the production of white wines, mainly Sauvignon Blanc. Here, the soil is always naturally irrigated by the melted snow that arrives from the top of the Aconcagua Mountain. The Aconcagua Valley is best known for its high-quality and aromatic red wines. The Aconcagua wine region is divided into 3 main sub-regions: Aconcagua Valley, Casablanca Valley, and Sant’Antonio Valley. This geographical indication is used to identify the grapes that grow in the Aconcagua wine region and then are used to make wine even outside of the region itself. The Aconcagua wine region was defined by the Chilean Appellation System as a DO (Denomination of Origin). The sandy soil has one advantage, it creates a phylloxera-free environment, where grapes and vines can grow very healthy. This soil type is common also throughout all sub-regions. The soil of the Aconcagua wine region is mainly made up of sand. These extreme conditions might cause vine disease, but the mild and cooler air from the Pacific Ocean cools the soil in the evening and moderate the temperature during the day. The Aconcagua wine region is a warm, dry area with high daytime temperatures. Best producers in AconcaguaĮrrazuriz is the great wine estate in Aconcagua Valley which enjoys acclaims from all over the world.Some Facts About the Aconcagua Wine Region Climate and Soil Since the 1990's, Cabernet Sauvignon is losing its importance to the advantage of Syrah. The last two gives Chilean wine its smooth tannins and beautiful colour. It blends well with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In Aconcagua Valley, Carménère produces a fruity wine with accent of black fruits and spices, integrated strong tannins and complex notes. The varieties used traditionally are Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère, a grape imported from Bordeaux in the middle of the nineteenth century. Only recently are the producers trying to make more fresh and complex wines with planting on cooler sites. The red wines of Aconcagua Valley are overall tannic, highly alcoholic, and rich in ripe fruit flavors. The vineyards produce wines less strong in alcohol with fresh and complex notes.
This zone spreads towards the Pacific Ocean and the mountains' slopes with sites more sheltered from the scorching sun.
This land between mountain and ocean is home to one the smallest wine-growing regions of Chile with only 2000 acres of vineyards (800 hectares). Its name come from the river weaving inside the valley and the mountain peaking at 6959 meters. This old viticultural area gives its name to the huge wine-growing region of Aconcagua and prospers thanks to its production of high quality wines.įlanked by the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, Aconcagua Valley is located 50 miles (80 kilometres) north of the country capital, Santiago. Home > Wine Guides > Wine Regions > Chilean Wine Guide > Aconcagua Wine Guide