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The Colchagua Valley is a wine-producing region in central Chile, constituting the southernmost portion of the larger Rapel Valley. The Cachapoal Valley, to the north, makes up the other half.
Colchagua Valley is a name associated with several prestigious Chilean wines. Apalta, made famous by Casa Lapostolle's Clos Apalta red blend and more recently by Montes' 'Folly' Syrah, is a sub-region of Colchagua. Equally prestigious is the Los Vascos winery, co-owned by Santa Rita and the Barons de Rothschild of Bordeaux. In fact, Colchagua is consistently producing wines of great quality and is receiving high praise. Some wine commentators are predicting a bright future for Colchagua.
Colchagua is a little cooler than its northerly cousin Maipo, but still maintains a consistently Mediterranean climate. As with most areas of Chile, the Pacific Ocean offers a cooling influence – a saving grace at a latitude of 34 degrees south, which is closer to the equator than any European vineyard. The degree of cooling provided by the ocean varies from east to west in the Colchagua Valley, demonstrated by the distribution of red and white grape varieties. As a general rule, white varieties benefit from cooler climates, while red varieties capitalize on drier, warmer conditions. The dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec and Merlot plantings in the warmer east is mirrored by that of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in the ocean-cooled west.
The Tinguiririca river is a key feature in Colchagua, as it flows along the northern edge of the region and through the town of Santa Cruz, around which many wineries are based. The river brings clear meltwater down from the Andean peaks to the valleys and vineyards below, transporting silts and clays with it and creating ideal soils and terrains for viticulture.
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