Rapel Valley

[rah-PELL] Known locally as Valle del Rapel, this important Chilean wine region is a subregion within the larger central valley. It's located south of the maipo valley around the towns of Rancagua and San Fernando. Within the Rapel Valley are two principal zones: Cachapoal Valley, which has four areas (Peumo, Rancagua, Rengo, and Requinoa); and Colchagua Valley, which has six areas (Chimbarongo, Nancagua, Palmilla, Peralillo, San Fernando, and Santa Cruz). Rapel Valley weather consists of warm summer days and cooler nights, which makes it an ideal growing area. Red varieties hold the majority acreage here and have an excellent reputation. cabernet sauvignon is the most widely planted red grape, although merlot is making a good showing. The white varieties of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc are also grown in quantity. See also chile.