Colchagua

Overview

Colchagua Valley lies in the southern half of the Rapel Valley, roughly 160 kilometers southwest of Santiago. The region combines rolling hills, river terraces, and the celebrated Apalta amphitheater, a unique geological bowl that traps warmth and produces some of Chile's most concentrated red wines.

Colchagua is the country's largest planting of Carménère and also produces powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec. Casa Lapostolle, Montes, Casa Silva, and Viu Manent are among the wineries that have put the valley on the international map, drawing wine tourists to its colonial town of Santa Cruz.

Key Varietals

• CarménèreThe valley's signature, producing dark, spicy reds with notes of chocolate and tobacco.
• Cabernet SauvignonA full-bodied red with blackcurrant and cedar from Colchagua's warm sites.
• SyrahA peppery, dark-fruit red that thrives on the valley's steep hillsides.
• MalbecA plush, floral red that adds depth to Colchagua's red wine portfolio.