Cabernet Sauvignon in Chile - The Colchagua Valley

The Colchagua Valley

The Colchagua Valley is located in Chile approximately 80 miles south of Santiago. It stretches south-east to north-west for 70 miles at its widest point with its western boundary formed by the coastal hills that run the entire length of Chile's Pacific coastline and to the foothills of the Andes in the east.

Colchagua Valley Climate

The Colchagua Valley has an ideal wine-growing climate. It has warm days and cool nights due to the ocean breezes. It’s a relative dry region that gets its water supply from Andes run-off and the occasional rain. The region maintains a consistently Mediterranean climate where Cabernet Sauvignon plantings mostly occur in the warmer eastern region.

Colchagua Valley Terroir

Like so many other wine regions, the slopes on the edges of the coastal mountains are the most desirable locations for grape growing in the Colchagua Valley. These vineyards have well-drained granitic soils, cooler temperatures than those in the valley floor and benefit from the diurnal temperature variation.

Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Cabernet Sauvignon of the Colchagua Valley are some of the best wines of Chile’s Central Valley and are available at great values with many in the $20 price range. An upcoming Behind the Cork™ will feature three Cabernet’s from this region and providing more details on their characteristics.

The soils and higher temperatures of the Colchagua Valley results in a different profile for Cabernet Sauvignon than that found in Maipo Valley. And, we’ll explore that region next time. Cheers!

The Wines of Chile - Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted red variety in Chile and it is the grape credited with putting Chile on the world stage. It accounts for around 100,000 acres planted which is just over 20% of all vineyard plantings in Chile. These vineyards extend from Atacama in the country’s far north to the Araucania region midway down the coast – a distance of roughly 1000 miles.

But, the productive core of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon is the Central Valley where three regions account for 97% of total planted surface area: O’Higgins (43,103 acres), Maule (38,338 acres) and the Metropolitan Region (14,807 acres). These regions span the area west of the Andes and on to the Pacific Coast, meaning that they include all the different terroirs of Chile.

So, within the O’Higgins region, for example, the Colchagua Valley covers two-thirds of the Cabernet Sauvignon planted, while the Maipo Valley boasts a historic core of vineyards in the Metropolitan Region.

Comparing and contrasting these two iconic Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon regions is where we’ll go next. Until then, Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Primus The Blend

2018 Primus “The Blend” ($18.99)

Primus is a leading brand in the Chilean premium segment and a fine example of Chilean quality capabilities. The name Primus is Latin and means “the first” or “the first among its peers”, and for good reason. The winery was founded more than 20 years ago by Agustin Hunneus. It was truly a pioneering brand as the first blend of the signature red grapes of Chile: Cabernet and Carmenere. Today, The Blend is still the standard bearer for Primus.

The fruit for this wine is selected from organic vineyards in the most renowned areas in Chile for red varieties: Marchigue, a sub-region Colchagua, and Maipo.

The Blend is produced from 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carménère, 10% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It is aged for 12 months in 66% French oak barrels.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is the basis for The Blend and provides the structure, while Carménère delivers density and smoothness, which complements the black fruit and spices of the Syrah. The Cabernet Franc adds elegance and persistence combined with the soft and complex finish of the Petit Verdot.

The Blend is medium ruby in color with delicate aromatic notes of black fruits. On the palate it is medium-bodied with moderate tannin and balanced acidity. It has peppery notes along with black cherry and a light finish.

The Blend by Primus is a really nice wine that is affordable and attainable, making it a perfect fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of Week. Look for this one!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.99)

Here’s another returning favorite from Veramonte which is made with Organic grapes and a really good value.

The Veramonte wines are from organically farmed vineyards in Chile. Veramonte follows organic practices throughout their estate, ensuring optimum conditions for vine growth and that the vineyards are sustainable over time. Living, balanced soil produces quality grapes that express the fullest potential of the terroir.

The 2018 Veramonte Organic Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the Colchagua Valley. It underwent cold maceration for five days in stainless steel tanks and was fermented with native yeasts. After the primary fermentation, the wine is macerated with its skins for another ten days to achieve greater smoothness and intensity of flavor. It was then aged in neutral oak barrels for eight months.

It’s medium-ruby in color with deep, dark fruit aromas. This Cabernet Sauvignon is fruity with flavors of red fruit and sour cherry. And, a great value for a Cabernet Sauvignon!

These Veramonte wines are imported by González Byass USA and distributed nationally. For more information on these wines visit www.GonzalezByassUSA.com Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications