Wines of Coquimbo Chile and the Limari Valley

Located just south of the Elqui Valley like it’s neighboring Valley the Limari Valley is noted for its grapes for pisco and for the table.  The land of Limari is low and hot with a Limari River running through the middle bringing the icy waters of the Andes to what may otherwise be barren land.  The valley’s first wineries were first planted in the 16th century, however those wineries now produce pisco.  The areas  large man-made lake, Embalse de Paloma, is where vineyards were planted in the 1990′s starting a new era of wineries in Limari.

The soils of the Limari Valley are noted for the high content of limestone and when this soil is combined with the cool climate and less than 4 inches of rain per year a distinctive wine with a slight mineral taste is produced.  Though Chile is primarily a red wine country, Chardonnay is the big star of Limar.  Big wineries from the central valley like Conch y Toro and Santa Rita base their Chardonnay operations in the Limari Valley.

If you are looking for a wines from the Limari Valley go with either a Chardonnay or Syrah.

Limari Valley Wines of Note

Tabali Chardonnay Tabali Reserva Especial 2008
91 Points Robert Parker the Wine Advocate
Tasting Notes: “Blunt at first, this wine needs time in a decanter to evolve past its firm mineral notes toward fruit. Scents of red apply and melon flavors develop as the texture turns opulent. An ample chardonnay to serve with grilled pork.

Conch y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2009
90 Points Wine Spectator
Tasting Notes: “Superfresh, with vibrant tangerine, yellow apple and heather notes backed by nice cut on the mineral-filled finish. A deliciously unadorned style. Drink now through 2012.”

The Conch y Toro Marque de Casa Concha Chardonnay is my go to Chardonnay in South America. It is relatively easy to find and pleases Chardonnay drinkers.

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