Maipo Valley

Maipo Valley wines

Chile's most famous wine region is undoubtedly Maipo Valley. It boasts a long history and a perfect location. The wines from this region are all classic and elegant, yet complex. The temperature differences between day and night are enormous. This makes it a challenging region for winemaking, but fortunately, many winemakers are rising to the challenge. The result is beautiful wines, rich and smooth.

The history of Maipo Valley

It was around 1500 that the first grapevines were planted in the Maipo Valley, near the city of Santiago to be precise. In the early years, there was much experimentation, and it was still a matter of exploring the effects of the soil and climate on viticulture. At the beginning of the 19th century, viticulture began to expand. So did French influences and the introduction of French vines. For this reason, we see many French grape varieties planted in the Maipo Valley. The climate is exceptional, with dry, warm summers and rainy winters. This is why irrigation is permitted in Chile. Canals were built to allow meltwater from the Andes to reach the vineyards.

Various areas in Maipo Valley

The Maipo Valley has three regions: Alto Maipo, Central Maipo, and Maipo Bajo. These regions differ in location, but the climate also varies from region to region. Alto Maipo is found at a higher elevation, meaning the vineyards enjoy abundant warmth during the day and somewhat cooler nights. This results in grapes with a beautiful balance between ripeness and acidity. Central Maipo has a slightly warmer climate. The soils are more fertile, resulting in a refined wine style. Cabernet Sauvignon thrives here and is therefore the most widely planted grape variety. Maipo Bajo focuses more on winemaking than on grape cultivation itself. Many wineries here produce wines with grapes from all over the country.

The wines from Chile's Maipo Valley

The pride of Chile is the Camenere grape, which thrives in the warm climate. Baron Philippe de Rothschild founded the Escudo Roja winery, which is well-versed in the climatic conditions of the Maipo Valley. The Escudo Roja Camenere is wonderfully refined and incredibly smooth. A special vineyard has been selected where this quintessential Chilean grape can mature in peace. But the wines from Ventisquero are also worth a try, especially the Grey series. Their full-bodied, powerful Grey Chardonnay is unparalleled. Elegant and complex aromas with good body and delicious acidity.