Maipo Valley
Maipo Valley
The Maipo Valley is the spiritual home of Chilean wine and was planted early in Chile's vinous history, thanks to its proximity to the capital Santiago. Playfully known as the 'Bordeaux of South America', Maipo is home to some of Chile's most celebrated wines, particularly the expressive, vibrant style of Cabernet Sauvignon produced in the region. Protected from the Pacific coast by the Coastal Range and bordered to the east by the Andes Mountains, the vineyards of the Maipo Valley have varied topography, with the highest plots in the area of Alto Maipo producing the most prestigious wines. Rocky, free draining soils, and extended growing seasons produce concentrated fruit with good natural acidity. Lower down, the warmer sub-regions of Central Maipo and Maipo Bajo also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, but also include extensive plantings of Carmenere along with parcels of Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chardonnay. Soils in Central Maipo are more fertile than those higher up leading to a simpler, vibrant style of wine.
