When we crossed into Northern Chile at Arica, it was obvious that we were in a wine-rich country. Wine is a part of everyday Chilean life. The young couple camping at Pta. Camarones near Cuya immediately offered us a drink however, not before pouring some wine on the ground to toast their Chilean ancestors. This wonderful introduction to wine continued throughout our travels along the Pan-American Highway, Ruta 5 south through the Atacama Desert to Central Chile's wine region.
Colchagua Valley Wine Region was my first visit to Chile's wine regions. The Colchagua Valley, located 80 miles south west of Santiago is one of Chile's best-known wine areas. The Colchagua Valley, within the Rapel Valley is part of the larger Central Valley wine region of Chile. This wine region is especially well known for its Cabernet, Carménére, Syrah and Malbec.
Journey South to the Colchagua Valley Wine Region, Central Chile
After Los Vilos it was a long drive to San Fernando. There we spent the night at the pet friendly Hotel Española. Next day, it was onto Santa Cruz in the Colchagua Valley where we enjoyed some of the best cuisine and wine in the world. Viñas de Colchagua has a tourist office in Santa Cruz, which provided us with useful hotel and winery information.
The Colchagua Valley Wineries
The Colchagua Valley wineries are so easy to visit, at a very relaxed pace. We took three days to tour some of its wineries. There are many good wineries, restaurants and hotels in this wine region. During our stay we visited six wineries near Santa Cruz. We stayed three nights at Hotel Entre Viñas, a wonderful boutique hotel with fantastic breakfasts. Hotel Entre Viñas is a converted old hacienda, dating from the late 1800’s. This hotel treated both our pets and us royally. We were very thankful for their wonderful hospitality.
On the first day we stopped by Viu Manent Viña for lunch and wine tasting.
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| Viu Manent Viña Secreto 2008 © Spaswinefood |
Viu Manent Viña
Viu Manent Viña has three vineyards San Carlos de Cunaco, La Capilla and El Olivar. Viu Manent Viña's emphasis in its vineyards is on sustainability. The winery is certified by CEMARS for reduction of its carbon footprint. When we visited Viu Manent Viña we had a wonderful lunch in their restaurant to go along with, a bottle of Secreto.
Viu Manent Viña produces three wine series. Secreto de Viu Manent is from the Wines of Viu Manent series. The Malbec label is one of six wine label designs used for Secreto de Viu Manent. There are Malbec, Carmenere, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier Secretos. The Malbec Secreto is a blend of 85% Malbec and the remaining 15% well, it is a secret. Secreto comes from the Latin secretus, meaning hidden, or that which is not revealed. The Secreto labels were designed by Chilean artist Catalina Abbott to represent the concept of hidden. El Secreto is an excellent example of where art and terroir come together, both in wine label design and wine making.
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| Viu Manent Viña Secreto 2008 © Spaswinefood |
During the next two days we visited five other Colchagua Valley wineries (Viña Mont Gras, Viña Bisquertt, Viña Las Niñas, Casa Lapostelle Viña and Viña Montes) but Viu Manent Viña was our first Chilean winery visit. It was a long drive from Deadhorse, Alaska to Santa, Cruz, Chile for a bottle of Viu Manent’s Secreto. Yes, we drove halfway around the world for a bottle of Secreto.
With a Spaswinefood lens for her travels, Sharon blogs at Spaswinefood. You can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook
Sharon
February 2012
February 2012
© Spaswinefood
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