Maipo Valley

Maipo Valley (Valle del Maipo) – the heart of Chilean winemaking and one of the most renowned red wine regions in the New World. Located in central Chile, near the capital Santiago, along the Maipo River, it sits where the Andes Mountains meet the cool Pacific Ocean breezes. This unique geographical setting gives the wines remarkable balance, elegance, and structure.

The climate is Mediterranean, with dry, sunny days and cool nights that allow grapes to ripen evenly while preserving acidity and aromatic intensity. The Andean breezes and high-altitude vineyards create conditions similar to Bordeaux, earning Maipo the nickname “the Bordeaux of Chile.”

The soils – a mix of gravel, sand, and clay – provide excellent drainage and minerality, ideal for red varieties, particularly ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, the region’s signature grape.

Maipo Valley is divided into three main subzones:

• Maipo Alto (Andean foothills): Produces structured, elegant wines with excellent aging potential.
• Central Maipo: A warmer area yielding ripe, full-bodied wines with pronounced fruit character.
• Coastal Maipo: Closer to the Pacific Ocean, known for fresher, more aromatic expressions.

In addition to ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, the region excels with ‘Carmenère’, ‘Syrah’, ‘Merlot’, and ‘Cabernet Franc’, which add layers of complexity and subtle spice.