Casablanca
Casablanca, a cool climate valley, is situated 30 km (18.64 miles) from Valparaíso and 80 km (49.71 miles)from Santiago.
What was once a farming area of mostly cows has become the best place for producing Sauvignon Blanc 20%, Chardonnay 46%, Pinot Noir with some Merlot and Syrah.
The first person to start viticulture in Casablanca was the winemaker Pablo Morande who first started planting in the 1980´s and now the valley has over 6.000 hectares of vines.
The climate of the valley is influenced by the sea. The Hourboult current which comes up from the Antarctic along the Chilean coast sends cool coastal breezes into the valley.
The valley has a temperture that ranges from 10c (50f) at night to 27c (80) in the summer.This is a great difference in temperature which helps the grape to mature slowly, producing a better concentration of suger and acid.
The vineyards we visit are as follows.
Veramonte (http://veramonte.cl/)
Highlights
Great Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Premium Pinot Noir Ritual and their Primus premium blend.
Indomita (http://www.indomita.cl/)
Highlights
Premium Pinot Noir Duette and their premium Cabernet Sauvignon Zardoz.
Emiliana Organic (http://www.emiliana.cl/)
Highlights
A 4 white grape variety blend Signos de Origen. Also the premium 6 red grape variety blend the Coyam.
Viña Mar (http://www.vinamar.cl/)
Highlights
This is the only vineyard in the valley that produces espumante (sparkling wine). Good Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir reserves.
Quintay (http://www.quintay.com/quintayin/)
Highlights
Fantastic Sauvignon blanc and Pinot Noir reservas.
William Cole (http://www.williamcolevineyards.cl/)
Highlights
Wonderful fume blanc in their Bill line with a luscious Sauvignon blanc reserva and great Bill Pinot Noir and Carmenere.
Morande (http://www.morande.cl/)
Highlights
Caringan and Cabernet Franc grown outside of the valley with good Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Bland limited additions and a very nice late harvest desert wine. Also the icon red blend House is a very good wine.
Catrala (http://www.catrala.cl/english/index.html)
Highlights
Good premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc
Casas del Bosque (http://www.casasdelbosque.cl/english/index.php)
Highlights
Sauvignon blanc Gran reserve, Pinot Noir Gran reserve, Syrah Gran reserve and Carmenere
Kingston (http://www.kingstonvineyards.com/)
Highlights
Great premium Syrah and Pinot Noir
Loma Larga (http://www.lomalarga.com/site/)
Highlights
Interesting premium Syrah and Cabernet Franc
Matetic (http://www.mateticvineyards.com/)
Highlights
Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay Pinot Noir , Syrah Gran reserve and The winemaker blend.
Casa Marin (http://www.casamarin.cl/eng/app/home.php?tp=0)
Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Sauvignon Gris and Pinot Noir.
Villard (http://www.villard.cl/i_historia.html)
Highlights
Chardonnay reserve, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
Casablanca Gourmet Restaurants
Equilibrio de Matetic (http://www.mateticvineyards.com/casona/restaurant.html)House Of Morandé (http://www.morande.cl/en/hom.html)
Indómita (http://www.indomita.cl/restaurant.html)
Tanino (http://www.casasdelbosque.cl/english/enoturismo/interior/restaurant.php)
Macerado (http://www.macerado.cl/)
Café Botha
Cheap and Cheerful
Bariloche sándwich bar (http://www.churrasqueriabariloche.cl/)
