The Winery Casas de Bucalemu of San Antonio Valley of Aconcagua

Discovering the wine region of San Antonio Valley

San Antonio Valley is a small wine region in Chile, located near the Pacific coast 80km (50 miles) as the crow flies west of the capital, Central-valley/maipo-valley/santiago">Santiago. A relatively recent addition to the Chilean national Vineyard, the region stands out as being able to produce quality Pinot Noir along with internationally respected white wines, including Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The province for which the valley is named surrounds the coastal city of San Antonio, 90km (55 miles) west of central Santiago and just South of Casablanca Valley. Vineyards lie on the rolling hills that characterize the region, often within 32km (20 miles) of the Pacific Ocean that forms San Antonio's western edge.

The overall spread of the region is reasonably large, and distinct sub-regions (if not regions in their own right) exist. The Leyda Valley, for instance, is technically within San Antonio Province. The same is true of San Rosario Valley, although this is likely as much to do with the petitioning of its major winery, Matetic, than any groundswell or bureaucratic initiative. As in Casablanca Valley, the viticulture in San Antonio Valley is heavily influenced by the effects of the ocean.

Cool morning mists and spring frosts are more associated with the Napa Valley and Bordeaux than they are with Chilean wine regions, but the cold Humboldt Current, which flows up the west coast of Chile, brings exactly these conditions to San Antonio Valley. This oceanic influence is largely responsible for making viticulture possible here. The cooler conditions during the day and the significant drop in temperature at night lead to an extended growing season and a slower ripening period, meaning that the San Antonio Valley can produce quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay balanced in sugar and acids, as well as Aromatic white varieties. Surprisingly, given this cool Climate, several producers are also putting out well-received examples of Syrah from the region.