Casablanca Valley
Casablanca Valley
Chile's first cool-climate coastal region, the Casablanca Valley is a recent addition to the wine scene, first planted in the early 1980s. The lack of suitable irrigation has halted the development of the region, as there is no river and producers must pump their water from artesian wells. Threading its way up the Pacific coast, the Casablanca Valley stays close to the ocean, and the Humboldt Current, which rolls up the coast from Antarctica provides cooling maritime breezes, leading to an extended ripening period that helps the fruit develop flavour and fresh, natural acidity. The sandy clay soils are home to about 6000 hectares of planted vines, 65 percent producing white grapes. Sauvignon Blanc with its citrusy, herbaceous flavours and crunchy acidity is the star of the show in the Casablanca Valley, but the region is also making a name for itself with regionally distinct, spicy Syrah, and cherry-red Pinot Noir with chalky acid and soft character.