NexTerra's inaugural journey to South America began in Santiago, Chile's bustling capital where the bounty of the Central Valley meets the riches of the Pacific Ocean. While Chile's culinary culture thrives, its domestic wine market has yet to match that vibrancy, with 85% of its wine production exported annually. Our mission: to explore and bring the best of Chile's diverse wine regions to our customers in the U.S.
Chile is one of the most uniquely shaped wine regions of the world, defined by its extensive longitudinal span, yet averaging just 110 miles in width from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes mountains. This remarkable geography, shaped by millennia of seismology and melting snowpack, gives rise to five distinct soil types that contribute to Chile’s exceptional wine typicity:
- Alluvial – Found in riverbeds, with sandy and rocky soils that drain well. Ideal for Bordeaux varietals, commonly found in Maipo and Rapel.
- Granite – Located along the Coastal Range. This thick, old stone breaks easily and supports varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Garnacha.
- Volcanic – Predominantly near the Andes, these basalt-driven, airy soils often mix with alluvial deposits. Versatile, supporting a wide range of varietals.
- Limestone – Rare and coastal, this coveted soil produces exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Clay – Found throughout the Central Depression. While often used for vegetables and orchard fruits, it also fosters Carmenere due to its water retention properties.
Diverse Climates of Chilean Wine Regions
Chile's wine regions are defined vertically, spanning from the Pacific Coast to the Andes Mountains, with three distinct climatic zones:
- Coastal Range – The smaller Coastal Range captures cooling ocean breezes, making it ideal for cooler-climate grapes.
- Central Depression – Nestled between the Coastal and Andean ranges, this area features warmer, still air and fertile soils, ideal for heat-loving varietals.
- Andean Range – Eastern regions with rocky, alluvial soils that produce austere reds with impressive structure and aging potential.
Chile’s geography also features rivers running east to west, further dividing its wine regions and creating microclimates. A short two-hour drive in any direction reveals noticeable climatic changes that directly influence wine styles.
After four days of exploration, we only scratched the surface of Chile’s incredible offerings. As we expand our global wine program, Chile will remain a cornerstone of our mission to deliver exceptional, custom-crafted wines that capture the essence of their origins. Whether you’re looking to create a private label wine portfolio or expand your existing offerings, our wines offer the perfect combination of quality, versatility, and innovation. Here’s to building strong partnerships and crafting unforgettable wines—cheers to what’s next at NexTerra! Contact us to learn more.