Casa Silva pushes Chile's southern winemaking boundaries

Published: 26 August, 2011

Chilean winery Casa Silva is reporting successful results for what it claims is Chile's most southerly vineyard.

Four years ago, the producer planted vines in Futrono, on the shore of Lake Ranco, 350 kilometres south of Bío Bío, which was until then Chile's most southerly wine region.

Although the 6 hectare vineyard was initially experimental, with plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the vines are showing "good levels of acidity and strong fruity flavours," according to Casa Silva.

"This combined with a low natural alcohol level indicates a huge potential for cool climate wine styles or high quality sparkling wines," the producer said.

Mario Pablo Silva, managing director of the family-run business, added: "It is a groundbreaking vineyard, in a wild natural area where nobody has ever dared to plant vines before. Planting in a different climate should produce new and interesting wines, further extending Chile's reputation as one of the finest and most diverse wine producing nations".

The commercial release of the first wine from Ranco is expected to be announced next year.

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