The Leyda Valley is one of Chile's youngest wine regions; viticulture has only been practiced here since 1997 and the region was only formally recognised as a sub-region of the San Antonio Valley in 2002. The valley lies west of Chile's capital, Santiago, and just east of the coastal city of San Antonio. To the north is Casablanca Valley and its soils share many similarities. Being just a few kilometres from the coast, Leyda benefits enormously from the cool winds of the Pacific, so, as with its neighbour Casablanca, it one of the cool climates of Chile. The vineyards benefit from a high diurnal swing in temperature, sunny days followed by very cool nights as cold air drains down from the Andes; this climatic topographic phenomena retains aromatic freshness and allows for a long ripening time. In addition to well-known white wine varieties, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, quality Pinot Noir is also grown here. The infertile soils, predominantly clay and loam over a granite subsoil, give moderate drainage, but the lack of water and nutrient poor land means yields are generally small but intense. Much of the production in Leyda is still determined by a handful of producers, but the valley continues to develop dynamically and certainly offers potential for the future.
