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WINES OF CHILE

25

Leyda Valley

Lay-Duh

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Chilean Coastal Range, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean,

the Leyda Valley has a distinctly cool, maritime climate with moderate, rainy winters, dry

summers and a unique influence from the sea. Sea breezes and ocean mist carried by the

Humboldt Current have a tempering effect on the otherwise hot summers of this latitude.

Evening fog moves into the vineyards and dissipates in the early morning, with clear days, lots

of sunlight and low relative humidity. These climate characteristics, similar to Sonoma Coast,

allow grape ripening to take place at a slower pace, prompting a balanced development of

aromas, fruit flavors, and the perfect equilibrium of sugar, acidity and pH in the wines.

Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir make up 80 percent of the 4,269 acres of vineyards in

this valley.

Maule Valley

MOW-Lay

Situated 155 miles south of Santiago, this valley is the largest and amongst the oldest in all of

Chile. The alluvial, clay and sandy soils of this valley mingle with the Mediterranean climate to

create an excellent environment for the growth of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenere.

Nearly 36,000 acres of this predominately red growing region are planted for Cabernet

Sauvignon.