Maule Valley

[MAO-lay] Known locally as Valle del Maule, this important Chilean wine area is the southernmost subregion within the larger central valley region. It's located around the town of Talca, which lies about 170 miles south of Santiago, chile's capital city. There are three principal zones within the Maule Valley: Del Claro Valley, within which are three areas (Pencahue, San Clemente, and Talca); Loncomilla Valley, which includes four areas (Linares, Parral, San Javier, and Villa Alegre); and Tutuvén Valley, with its one area of Cauquenes. Maule Valley's weather is cool and wet, and though irrigation isn't required, it's sometimes used. The dominant grape here is Pais (mission) although higher-quality grapes like cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, carmenère, merlot, sauvignon blanc, and sémillon are making inroads.