Louis Latour Agencies
Producers
Viu Manent
The Region
The Colchagua Valley
The Colchagua Valley is located in the southern most portion of the Rapel Valley in central Chile. It is approximately 140 kilometres south of Santiago and is one of Chile’s most well known wine regions particularly for its full-bodied Syrah, Malbec, Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Colchagua is a transversal valley running east-west and follows the course of the Tinguiririca River. It is defined by two spurs from the Andes, the Northern and Southern Mountains, which create a 35km wide valley with a unique 120km corridor between the sea and the mountains. The vineyards benefit from cool seas breezes and sharp diurnal temperature differences which help to retain acidity and freshness; and give a long growing season which allows the red grapes to develop slowly improving their flavour and colour.
Historically vineyards were planted on the gentler slopes but newer plantings, including Viu Manent’s El Olivar vineyard, are on steeper gradients. Apalta, in the Santa Cruz area, is a steep bowl-shaped range of vineyards known for the high quality of its wines. Viu Manent’s San Carlos vineyard is located here.