Coquimbo Wine

Coquimbo: a wine region of contrasts

The special feature of the Coquimbo wine region is the contrast in the landscape. On the one hand there are the mountain slopes of the Andes and the so-called Cordilleras, which are covered with cacti, and on the other hand there are beautiful green valleys. Such a great scenic difference is otherwise very rare in the world.

Which wine style is predominant in the Coquimbo wine region?

In the past, the Coquimbo wine region only cultivated table grapes and also grapes for the so-called Pisco. But this has long changed. Nowadays the winegrowers know that it is possible to grow noble grapes for high quality wine even on the steep slopes and the rather stony soils.

The Andes as well as the Pacific Ocean provide cooling and allow the cultivation of different grape varieties. Some red grape varieties such as Syrah and Pinot Noir thrive here. In addition, the white varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are also cultivated here.

Geographical conditions

What is the main climate?

The summers in Coquimbo are quite short and dry. But the cold season is usually very long and cold. In the course of a year the temperatures are between 9°C and 20°C and the average climate value is 8.3. Coquimbo has a desert climate, so it is mostly quite warm during the day. In addition the probability of precipitation is very low.

How is the vineyard planted?

As already mentioned, the region is very varied. It is composed of these three subregions:

• Elqui
• Limarí and
• Choapa

They are all about 400 to 500 kilometers from the capital Santiago. Coquimbo is located in the north of Chile. It is both a wine region and a city at the same time. The latter is located in a valley and about ten kilometers away from the regional capital called La Serena.

Although the Coquimbo wine region is predominantly desert, its mineral-poor soils are very well suited for wine growing. In the Coquimbo wine region, grape brandy is produced in addition to various types of wine.

Coquimbo wine from the Valle del Elqui

The Valle del Elqui is one of the most important areas for growing the grapes for the popular Chilean Pisco. The latter also forms the basis for the national drink called Pisco Sour. But also in the Valle del Elqui many other grapes are cultivated, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Carménère, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.

With an altitude of up to 2,000 meters, the Valle del Elqui, and thus part of the region around Coquimbo, is the most northern and at the same time the highest wine growing area in the country. This fact makes the wines from Coquimbo something very special. Because many producers boast that their noble wines come from an altitude of 1,300 meters, which is still significantly below the location of Coquimbo.

Coquimbo wine: present and future

Over the years, wine from the Coquimbo region has also gained a very good international reputation and is appreciated worldwide. In the meantime, some foreign investors have also recognized the great potential of the wine growing area and have made financial contributions. Most of the varieties from the region are distinguished by their first-class quality and unique aroma. They have a full-bodied taste and convince with fruity notes. In many cases a hint of vanilla can also be tasted.

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