Regions and soils: Aconcagua

Named after the river which bisects it, Aconcagua is made up of three very distinct zones. The interior of Aconcagua is one of Chile’s hottest, driest wine regions. In the summer, clouds are rarely seen, and temperatures are often above 30 °C/86 °F. Soils are mainly alluvial and the region produces some good red wines. Errázuriz and von Siebenthal are two of the few important wine exporters to have their base here, at Panquehue in the much gentler intermediate region, cooled by coastal breezes. This is home to the traditional Aconcagua vineyards responsible for such Chilean classics as Don Maximiano from Viña Errázuriz and their Seña grown closer to the coast.