Rapel Valley is one of the biggest wine regions of Chile, contributing to at least a quarter of the country's wine production.
In the south of Maipo, Rapel Valley spreads on 60 miles (100 km) inside the province of O'Higgins. Surround on both sides by the Andes and the Coastal Mountains, the valley is sheltered from the Pacific influence and its cool winds. Its name came from the Rapel River, a confluence of the Tinguiririca and the Cachapoal. The river, which begins its course in the Andes, is the vital resource of the culture of vine. The conditions are warm and sunny inland, but near the town of Requinoa the area can enjoy a cooler climate.
The Rapel river divides in two the valley, with the Colchagua Valley in the south and the Cachapoal Valley in the north:
- Inside the Cachapoal, the best sites are in the east at the foothills of the Andes which form an ideal dry shelter. In the west, the cooler area thanks to the maritime influence leads to the production of excellent fruity and full-bodied Carménère. Cachapoal yields a high quantity of wine, some of good quality.
- In the Colchagua Valley, the vineyards are concentrated in the west to enjoy the fresh breezes of the Pacific. The region is acclaimed for its high-quality elegant and balanced wines.
Colchagua and Cachapoal are names well-known compared to the Rapel Valley because of the Chilean wine industry's will to promote the regional brands. The wines who do not have these brands are labelled «Valle Central».
Grape varieties in Rapel Valley
Rapel Valley is home to a production of excellent red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Carménère. The last two varieties are used to produce distinctive full-bodied spicy red wines. A few white grapes, mainly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, grow in the Rapel Valley.
Malbec is more and more planted in the region to benefit from the success of Mendoza, the neighbouring Argentinian wine area.
Best producers in Rapel Valley
A lot of famous Chilean wine producers have settled in the Rapel Valley, like Casa Lapostolle, Concha Y Toro or Montes.
