Situated a two and a half hour drive from Santiago is the Colchagua Valley, one of the best known wine regions in Chile. It has a mediterranean climate and is best known for its full bodied red wines produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah and Carmenere grapes. Wines were first bought to Chile in the 16th C by Spanish missionaries, however French grapes were introduced in the 19th C. Carmenere vines were wiped out in France in 1867 by disease and were thought to be extinct until rediscovered in Chile around 1990, having been previously mistaken for Malbec.
The Colchagua Valley has significant French influence, with many vineyards either owned by, or under the guidance of, French winemakers.
White wines are also produced, mainly from Chardonay or Sauvignon Blanc but they are not the same quality as the red wines.
Wine is Chile’s fifth largest export with China and the UK being the largest markets. There are three main classifications – Reserva (plonk), Gran Reserva (decent) and Icons (excellent and expensive). The better vineyards usually have excellent restaurants, making them doubly attractive !
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