Colchagua Valley
Warm Mediterranean
A warm valley in the Rapel region known for ripe Carménère, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, including the granite hillsides of Apalta.
Overview
About Colchagua Valley
Colchagua lies to the south of Maipo, in the Rapel region, and is one of Chile's leading red-wine valleys. Carménère does especially well in its warm, dry summers, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are also planted.
Apalta, a horseshoe-shaped amphitheatre of granite hills, is the best-known sub-area and is home to some of the country's most expensive reds.
Colchagua Valley is marked on the map.
Chile
Shaded: Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins. Map units are states, provinces or départements, so a smaller place appears as the larger area that contains it.
The land
Climate & terroir
Climate
Warm Mediterranean
Warm, sunny and dry from spring to autumn, with the ocean's cooling influence stronger nearer the west of the valley.
Terroir & soils
What the vines grow in
Granite and clay on the hillsides of Apalta, and alluvial soils on the valley floor.
Go deeper
Rules, years & producers
Montes
A pioneer of quality in the valley, with the Alpha M and Purple Angel Carménère.
Lapostolle
Makes Clos Apalta, a leading red blend from Apalta.
Viu Manent
A family estate with old-vine Malbec and Carménère.
Casa Silva
A family estate with vineyards on the valley floor and the coast.
What's grown here
Grapes
Each grape's page links back here.