Take a look at some of Chile's most exciting winemaking regions and get recipes to pair with the wines that are being made there.
Colchagua Valley
This is primarily red wine country and a top spot for Chile's trademark grape, Carmenère. Long thought to be Merlot, Carmenère is actually its own grape. The hot, dry conditions of the Colchagua Valley suit it just fine. In the afternoons, ocean breezes climb up the river valley, moderating the temperature in the vineyards and paving the way toward crisp, cool nights. These conditions help create balanced, complex wines with plenty of deep fruit, color, and refreshing acid balance. Besides Carmenere, the region is also known for rich, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Syrah.