Chile's largest wine growing region, the Maule Valley, is located 260 kilometres south of the capital Santiago. Spanish immigrants were already cultivating wine here in the 16th century. On a vineyard area of 23,000 hectares, 75 percent of the grapes grown in the Maule Valley wine region are red, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carménère, while Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay dominate the white grape varieties. The area under vine is steadily decreasing. Due to the size of the wine region, different climatic conditions prevail. The coasts are influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the valleys by the Andes. The climate is subhumid, with dry and hot summer months, which makes irrigation necessary in many places during this period. The alternation of warm temperatures during the day and coolness at night causes intense fruit aromas to develop in the grapes, ranging from wild berries to cherries and plums. The soils are predominantly volcanic, heavy and acidic with a high clay content. The Maule Valley wine region is home to winemakers of international reputation as well as exclusive boutique wineries.
