Curico wine grapes

Chilean wine grapes (Curicó Valley)
Our grapes are located in the Curicó Valley, which has been described by experts and
world-known winemakers as the “Heart of the Chilean wine industry”. Our vines lie
just between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and thus they enjoy the
Mediterranean climate of the Chilean Central Valley. This combination of
geographical and climatic elements gives the grapes excellent conditions to achieve
perfect ripeness.
The Curicó Valley is located in the area known as the Central Zone of Chile, exactly
between the 30th and 40th parallels south. The richness of its soils, its
Mediterranean climate, and its geographic diversity favor the vines’ growth and
budding processes, as well as influencing water and vineyard management and
harvest. All these factors combine to ensure ideal grape ripeness and a relatively
stable harvest year after year.
The Molina area in the Curicó Valley, has been an important agricultural center in
Chile’s Central Zone for centuries. The area is located in the Mataquito River basin,
where the Teno and Lontué Rivers combine to form the Mataquito River.
The climate in the valley is characterized by morning fog and wide day-night
temperature fluctuations. Climatic conditions in some parts of the valley favor wines
with higher acidity, such as white varieties including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc,
Vert and Gris, while high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Carménère
grapes are obtained in warmer areas of the valley, such as Lontué,, particularly when
produced from ancient vines.
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Area and Climate:
Optimal conditions exist in the Curicó Valley for the production of red and white wine
grapes. The valley is home to some of the largest Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
plantations in Chile (3,773 and 1,523 hectares, respectively). Equally prestigious is the
valley's reputation for red wine grapes. The main red wine grape varieties produced here
are Cabernet Sauvignon (6,495 hectares), Merlot (3,575 hectares), Carménère (642
hectares), and Pinot Noir (204 hectares). Location
200 km (124.2 mi) south of Santiago Climate
Mild Mediterranean climate, with a 5-month dry period between November and March
Average Annual Temperature
14ºC (57ºF)
Average Annual Precipitation
700 mm (27.5 in)
Soil Volcanic-alluvial 2