Chile — wine

Casablanca Valley DO

Casablanca Valley DO was Chile's first cool-climate wine region, established in the early 1980s when Pablo Morandé of Concha y Toro identified the valley's potential for aromatic whites and cool-climate Pinot Noir. Situated between Santiago and Valparaíso, the valley receives cold morning fogs from the Humboldt Current-influenced Pacific Ocean, creating growing conditions unique in Chile. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir thrive in the morning chill and warm afternoons — producing wines of freshness and precision previously unknown in Chilean viticulture.

Year Rating Notes
2022 A benchmark Casablanca vintage: cool, fog-rich mornings maintained acidity and aromatic freshness while warm afternoons ripened Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to full expression
2021 Good vintage with characteristic cool-climate freshness; Sauvignon Blanc showed intense citrus and tropical fruit; Pinot Noir showed structural elegance
2020 Pacific fog maintained through growing season; wines showed fresh, aromatic character with the coastal mineral note that defines Casablanca
2019 A complete vintage for all varieties — Sauvignon Blanc was particularly successful with tropical fruit and citrus in perfect balance; Chardonnay showed creamy texture and good mineral length