We Celebrated the 3rd of Premium cool climate red wines of Valle de Casablanca

For the third year running the Casablanca valley gathered the harvest of Premium cool climate red wines – with the exception of the Pinot Noir which has its very own presentation on “The Night Belongs to Pinot Noir”. We were honored to be the hosts in this new anniversary of the event held on the 9th of July, and welcomed special press and wine enthusiasts from all over as well as the other vineyards from the Valley, the first cool climate valley in Chile and one of the “Great Wine Capitals”. The event was organized by the Casablanca Valley Association of Winemaking Businessmen (Asociación de Empresarios Vitivinícolas del Valle de Casablanca) where all those present were treated to a tasting of Syrah, Malbec, Caberet Franc and Merlot. Nine vineyards participated in this event, each represented by their respective oenologist; Loma Larga Vineyards, Kingston Family Vineyards, Viña Quintay, Viña Veramonte, Estancia El Cuadro, Casas del Bosque, Viña Casablanca, Viña Emiliana and the Belen Group. Mario Agliati, President of the Casablanca Valley Association of Winemaking Businessmen, praised the vineyards’ commitment to their people and the important role they play in the development of the township. He continued to point out other salient aspects such the level of commitment displayed by the Valley of Casablanca and the Illustrious Township of Valparaiso in their status as a Great Wine Capital – a title given by the GWC – allowing the region to spread its reputation internationally and be recognized for its many offerings to the international community in tourism, winemaking, artisanal products and cuisine.

At midday lunch was served in Loma Larga’s wine cellar and the menu created and executed by a local chef who put together the perfect marriage between the local cool climate wines and produce. Guests were first captivated with the cocktail and country lunch cooked and served in the most faithful creole fashion. Dishes made locally such as head cheese, cheeses in general, dry fruit and figs, beans and the Chilean chorizo or “longaniza”, “charquican” – a Chilean stew – with quail eggs, lamb on a spit and semolina in a red wine sauce; an absolutely wonderful pairing for the valley’s cool climate. Despite the Valley of Casablanca’s recognition the world over for it’s whites and sparkling wines, its reds also standout for the cultivation in a cold valley considered unique in Chile, where the slow and patient maturation of the grapes manages to concentrate aromas and leave structured and friendly tastes in the mouth, bearing the unique signature characteristic of Casablanca. Those present enjoyed a warm day at the vineyard whilst sharing a passion for creating superior wines that faithfully reproduce the traditional qualities of this unique terroir.