The best of Rapel Valley Wines

History of Rapel Valley wines

With a viticultural heritage dating back to the 1500s, the region initially cultivated the Pais grape, a tradition that persists to this day. In the mid-1800s, the introduction of French grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot further enriched the viticultural landscape of the Rapel Valley, solidifying its reputation as a premier wine-producing region. Since the 1970s, the Rapel Valley has embraced cutting-edge technologies, transitioning from traditional wooden vats to stainless steel tanks and implementing advanced drip irrigation systems to address limited rainfall and maintain soil moisture levels.

Grapes of wines from Rapel Valley

The Rapel Valley is predominantly characterized by the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Carmenère grape varieties, which hold significant importance in the region. While red varieties dominate wine production, there are also notable plantings of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Moreover, the cultivation of Malbec is increasingly gaining traction, likely inspired by the success of this variety in Mendoza, located on the opposite side of the Andes.

The terroir of wines from Rapel Valley

The Rapel Valley derives its name from the Rapel River, formed by the convergence of the Tinguiririca and Cachapoal rivers, which effectively divide the valley into two distinct sub-regions: the Colchagua Valley to the south and the Cachapoal Valley to the north. Like other wine regions in Chile, the river serves as a crucial water source, delivering fresh, mineral-rich meltwater from the upper Andes.

The Rapel Valley is flanked by the Andes and Coastal Range Mountain ranges, shielding it from the Pacific Ocean's cold influences. This warm and arid area produces a diverse array of wine styles, ranging from everyday selections to some of Chile's most esteemed and exclusive wines.

The regions of Rapel Valley wines

The two sub-regions within the Rapel Valley exhibit notable differences. In the Cachapoal Valley, premium vineyards are predominantly situated in the eastern foothills of the Andes, benefiting from well-drained soils, and sheltered conditions ideal for viticulture.

In contrast, the vineyards of the Colchagua Valley are primarily situated in the western part of the valley, benefiting from cooling influences from the nearby Pacific Ocean. This climatic factor contributes to the grapes' development, resulting in wines characterized by a refined balance of fruitiness and structured acidity. While the Cachapoal Valley is recognized for producing substantial quantities of value-driven wines, those originating from the Colchagua Valley are increasingly gaining international acclaim.

Classifications of wines from Rapel Valley

Unlike many of Chile's wine regions, the Rapel Valley does not correspond to a specific administrative area. Instead, the Cachapoal and Colchagua Valleys fall within the broader O'Higgins region, named after Bernardo O'Higgins, a prominent leader during Chile's War of Independence from Spain in the early 19th century.

In recent years, the Colchagua and Cachapoal Valleys have garnered more recognition compared to their parent region, the Rapel Valley, due to the Chilean wine industry's emphasis on regional differentiation for commercial appeal. Wines not classified under these sub-regions are often labelled as 'Valle Central,' encompassing the expansive 560-mile (1000km) stretch between Santiago and Puerto Montt. Moreover, both the Colchagua and Cachapoal Valleys feature their own distinct sub-regions, further diminishing the significance of the Rapel Valley designation.