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Winery
Weon
Varietal: Carignan
The Carignan grape varietal has been grown and processed in Europe for centuries, and is thought to have originated in the Aragon region of Spain. Indeed, it is still sometimes used in the production of Spain's famous blended Rioja wines, where its high astringency, tannins and acidity levels lend a bit of a boost to the other grape varietals in the blend. Nowadays, the Carignan varietal is most commonly associated with the fine red wines of Languedoc, where it is grown is large quantities by expert vintners who know how to deal with its often harsh characteristics. Carignan is particularly susceptible to all kinds of rot and mildew, and as such thrives in hotter, drier climates. However, given careful treatment, it is a fine and versatile grape varietal which can produce superb wines of excellent character.
Region: Valle Central
Chile is a fascinating country when it comes to wines and viticulture, and by far the most internationally renowned wine region in the country is the Valle Central. This expansive valley is located close to the Chilean capital of Santiago, and stretches between the Maipo Valley and Maule Valley, a long, winding fault through the mountainous regions of the country which is now almost completely covered by vineyards producing wines of exquisite character. The region itself may well be associated with the 'New World' of wines, but in actual fact, vineyards have been cultivated around the Maipo valley since the 16th century, when settlers from Europe brought vines across the ocean with which to make sacramental wines. A wide range of grape varietals thrive in the hot climate of Valle Central, from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines the country is most famous for, to Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Carmenere.
Country: Chile
When considering the rich and fertile central valleys of Chile, where we find most of the oldest, grandest and established wineries, it is difficult to imagine a more suited landscape for vineyard cultivation and wine production. Mineral rich soils, eight months of sunshine per year, oceanic winds and clear water running down the mountainsides – it is little wonder that the imported Old World grapes do so well here. Chile is renowned world-wide for producing highly drinkable wines, packed full of fruit-forward character and enjoyed young and fresh, as well as being home to more complex wines reminiscent of many Old World varieties. Whilst the Cabernet Sauvignon is widely regarded as being Chile's 'flagship' grape varietal, equally fine produce comes from Chardonnay grapes (indeed, the Sol de Sol Chardonnays are widely agreed to be amongst the New World's finest white wines) the plummy Merlot and silky, intense Pinot Noir.