Elqui

Overview

Elqui Valley lies in the Coquimbo Region of northern Chile, roughly 400 kilometers north of Santiago. The valley is one of the country's highest wine regions, with vineyards climbing to 2,000 meters above sea level in the Andean foothills. The extremely dry, sunny climate requires irrigation from the Elqui River.

The region has gained attention for high-altitude Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and the production of pisco. Producers such as Viñedos de Alcohuaz and Falernia have shown that Elqui can produce wines of remarkable intensity and freshness despite its desert location.

Key Varietals

• SyrahA dark, spicy red with violet aromatics and firm structure from high-altitude sites.
• Sauvignon BlancA crisp, citrus-driven white benefiting from cool nights at altitude.
• CarménèreA small but growing planting that ripens fully in Elqui's warm days.
• MuscatAn aromatic white used for both still wines and Chilean pisco.