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The Central Valley extends 80km (50 miles) north of Santiago and more than 240km (150 miles) south of the city. It covers a range of climates and includes several sub-regions, whose names may appear on export labels.
As a result of its proximity to Santiago, the Maipo Valley was the first wine region to be developed, and it remains the most concentrated vineyard area. Much Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot come from here. A much cooler region is the Maule Valley, developed and expanded in the 1980s. The valley is suitable for Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chardonnay.
Casablanca, a new region northwest of Santiago, benefits from cool breezes off the Pacific, Chardonnay ripens slowly and achieves delicate, concentrated flavours. Using water from wells, vineyards are less prone to overcropping. Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc are the other preferred varieties. Further north still is the Aconcagua Valley, which is usually regarded as part of the Central Valley. Wine is also produced north and south of these main regions.
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