Curicó Valley is a wine-producing region in CentralChile, located roughly 115 miles (185km) South of the Chilean capital, Santiago. It is divided into two sub-regions: Teno in the North and Lontue Valley in the south. The Curicó is known for its reliable, good value everyday wines, Particularly the reds made from Cabernet Sauvignon and whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Curicó's vineyards are planted with more varieties than anywhere else in Chile.
The first two grapes mentioned above are the most heavily planted, as they were when the region first appeared on the international wine map.
The reds may not consistently rival the best from Maipo, and its Sauvignon Blanc may not quite match the fresh, Complex style found in Casablanca, but the valley is one of Chile's workhorse regions and its output is consistent and reliable.
Curicó Valley growing conditions
With respect to Climate, the eastern part of the valley – closer to the Andes Mountains – is cooler than the western section as it benefits from breezes coming down from the slopes of the Andes. In this way, it differs from regions further north, where the western ends of the valleys, being influenced by the Pacific Ocean, are generally cooler.
In Curicó, however, the hills of the Coastal Ranges dissipate the effect of east–west air movements. The major centers of production and the established high profile wineries (Echeverria, Montes, Viña San Pedro, TTorres and Valdivieso) are located around the cooler eastern towns of Curicó and Molino.
The meltwater rivers Lontue and Teno that Flow through Curicó Valley (before converging to form the Mataquito River) have a significant effect on viticulture here. The region's varied soils are derived from limestone and volcanic rock from the Andes and have been deposited in the valley over time by the rivers (alluvial) as well as by gravity (colluvial).
Mainly cultivated in the Languedoc region, carignan originates from Spain. Because of its very resistant branches, it is often called hardwood. Its bunches are quite large. They are compact and winged with a lignified stalk. The berries are spherical in shape and take on a bluish-black colour. Carignan has a total of 25 approved clones, the best known of which are 274, 65 and 9. The carignan buds at the beginning of June and is protected from spring frosts. It does not reach maturity until the third period. Also, this grape variety needs warmth and sunshine. It appreciates dry and not very fertile soils. Carignan vines can live for more than 100 years. Those that are more than 30 years old produce a better wine. This wine is well coloured. It is generous and powerful at the same time. Pepper, cherry, blackberry, banana, raspberry, almond, prune and violet are some of the aromas that this grape variety gives off.
red wines from the region of Curico Valley go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or spicy food such as recipes of meat and goat pie, baked lamb neck on a bed of vegetables and grapes or lobster tail armorican style.
On the nose in the region of Curico Valley often reveals types of flavors of oaky, caramel or violet and sometimes also flavors of licorice, black cherries or jam. In the mouth in the region of Curico Valley is a powerful.
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