Chile - Bío Bío Valley

One of Chile’s most southern wine-producing region, only Malleco Valley is further south, the Bío Bío Valley is known for the Moscatel de Alejandria and País varietals.

Spanish missionaries, who arrived with the conquistadors in 1551, introduced País to Chile. However, País historically failed to break into mainstream tastes, and thus became the wine of choice for farmers. The lack of mainstream attention allowed País to grow on its own for centuries in the Bío Bío and Itata Valleys. However, winemakers have begun to gain international recognition with complex, unique wines produced from old, low-yield País vines (some vines date back centuries). 

Bío Bío has short, hot summers; however, harvest temperatures are quite cool which leads to a cool overall climate on par with Burgundy. In turn, this long growing season delivers crisp and aromatic wines. 

The dawn of the new millennium has seen winemakers produce elegant Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, among others. Around the world, Oenophiles are watching Bío Bío with anticipation to see what new and exciting wines will originate from this up-and-coming valley.