Malleco

Overview

Malleco Valley sits around 38 degrees south in Chile's Araucanía Region, making it the country's southernmost established wine region. The cool continental climate, with cold winters and mild summers, is challenging for viticulture but ideal for producing fresh, high-acid wines.

The region was pioneered in the 1990s by producers such as Aquitania with its Sol de Sol label and later by Clos des Fous. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling are the main varieties, producing wines of remarkable elegance and purity from young volcanic and alluvial soils.

Key Varietals

• Pinot NoirA delicate, transparent red with red berry and earthy notes.
• ChardonnayA crisp, mineral white with bright acidity and citrus flavors.
• RieslingA high-acid aromatic white that captures the region's cool climate.
• Sauvignon BlancA fresh, herbaceous white from the valley's coolest sites.