Introduction
The Casablanca Valley is located in central Chile, west of the capital, Santiago. The region has cool temperature climate and is best known for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. For Pinot Noir and Riesling, look to the Leyda Valley to the south.
It was during the mid-1980s that the first vineyards were planted in Chile’s Casablanca Valley. Today, it has gained international recognition for producing some of the world’s finest white wines.
History
Let’s get one thing straight: In Chile, we drink a lot of wine. It has a long history on this continent and was already commonplace in pre-Hispanic times.
This is no surprise, since our country is located so close to the wine regions of Europe. Since the 16th century, Chileans have been cultivating their vines and making wines. But it wasn’t until the 1841 that Germans first arrived in Casablanca Valley (also known as Maipú), the first European settlers in Southern Chile. They planted vines among native Chilean plants, and soon they started producing grapevines with unique characteristics that are still recognizable today. From there on out, German immigrants would come to establish vineyards all throughout the Central Valley—eventually gathering around Casablanca Valley where many “villages” were established for agriculture purposes.
Today Casablanca Valley produces about 90% of all white wines consumed by Chilean consumers as well as about 80% of reds produced here thanks to its dry climate which allows low yields from vines without sacrificing quality or flavor intensity.
Climate and Terroir
Located only 37 miles northwest of Santiago, Valle de Casablanca is a cool, maritime-influenced region with breezes from the Pacific Ocean and frequent morning fogs. Much like its namesake in Morocco, Casablanca Valley’s climate allows for some humidity to hang in the air through much of the year—a welcome change from Maipo Valley’s hot, dry days that can make it feel like you’re on the surface of Mars. Instead, “Chile’s most Mediterranean region” is ideal for white wine varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
The terroir consists of well-drained granite or clay soils found at elevations between 1,200 to 2,600 feet above sea level. These conditions ensure that grapes maintain their acidity throughout the season while also achieving optimal ripeness.
Vineyards and Grapes
You might think that Chardonnay is grown all over the world, but in fact, it is only grown in a few places where the climate is cool enough to offer balance to its tropical fruit notes. The Casablanca Valley is one of those places. What this means for you, dear reader and wine enthusiast, is that if you want to taste a crisp and delicious version of this popular grape variety, you should head to this region. The same goes for Sauvignon Blanc, which also reaches its height of excellence when grown in a cool area like this one. Both grape types are at their best when grown on clay-rich soils with poor drainage; if water sits too long near the plant’s roots, it will absorb into the fruit and dilute its flavor.
The other big varieties grown here are Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (which have fruity flavors similar to Chardonnay), as well as Syrah (a spicy red wine).
Appellations and Wines
Casablanca Valley has two official appellations: Casablanca Valley and Casablanca Valley. The first was created in 1998, the second in 2014. Though both are exceptional for producing crisp, fruity whites, especially Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, there is a clear distinction between them.
The Casablanca Valley appellation lies relatively close to the coast, meaning its climate tends to be cooler with heavy morning fog. This makes it an ideal location for white wines that have high acidity and freshness to balance out their fruit flavors. Because it’s so close to the ocean, many wineries here are also well positioned for visitors who want to explore both wine country and the coastline at once. For example, Matetic Vineyards sits right on the shoreline of Casablanca Bay; you can sip away while looking out over water that mirrors the blue sky above you—a quintessential Chilean experience if we ever heard one!
Chile’s Casablanca Valley has been on the wine world’s radar since the 1980s.
If you’re a white wine drinker and about to visit Chile, put Casablanca Valley at the top of your list. It’s known for producing the country’s most expensive white wines. And when it comes to value, it offers some of the best bargains on the planet.
Chile’s Casablanca Valley is one of the country’s most important wine regions. Here, three vineyards have been put on my list for “must-visit” status: Errazuriz Estate, Caliterra and Veramonte.
While these properties are only 45 minutes apart by car, their differences are huge—and so is their impact on Chilean wine today.
Errazuriz Estate planted its first grapes in 1993, but since then has become a significant player in international wine competitions with its Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs—the latter being rather unusual in Chile