Maule

Overview

Maule Valley is the largest wine region in Chile by planted area, stretching south from the Itata River through warm, rolling countryside. For decades it was known for bulk production, but in recent years a new generation of winemakers has rediscovered the valley's treasure trove of old, dry-farmed vines.

Ancient plantings of País, the Mission grape brought by Spanish settlers in the 16th century, have become the focus of Chile's natural wine movement, joined by Cinsault, Carignan, and old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon. Producers such as Garage Wine Co., De Martino, and Bouchon have helped transform Maule's reputation.

Key Varietals

• PaísThe historic Mission grape, producing light, fresh, rustic reds from ancient dry-farmed vines.
• CarignanA dark, tannic red revived from old bush vines in Maule's interior.
• CinsaultA fragrant, medium-bodied red that shines in natural-wine and old-vine expressions.
• Cabernet SauvignonA structured red widely planted in the valley's warmer zones.