Lo Abarca Named as a Denomination of Origen!

What does it mean?

Chile´s appellation system for wine was established in 1995 (Decreto 464), it is based on a 4-tier structure:

1. Region

2. Sub-Regions

3. Zones

4. Areas

Until April 2018 the denomination of origen at the 4th level could be only assigned to areas that are a town or larger. With today´s modification the Decreto 464 has approved 85 areas as a D.O, of which only 3 areas are smaller than a town. This special D.O status for those smaller areas is a reward for the outstanding wines produced and the contribution of those wines to the Chilean wine industry at an international level.

The first two areas are both located in the famous Colchagua Valley: Apalta and Los Lingues. It is here where some of Chile´s best reds and blends are made, home to Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Some famous wineries from these areas are: Montes, Lapostolle, Koyle and Casa Silva. The third area that has obtained the special D.O status is Lo Abarca, home to Viña Casa Marin, the only winery in this area. Lo Abarca is an area within the Sub-Region of D.O Valle de San Antonio and distinguishes itself by being the closest area to the Pacific Ocean in South America. The cool temperatures and the excellent winemaking expertise of Maria Luz Marin and Felipe Marin has put premium white wines and Pinot Noir from Chile on the map. This has resulted into numerous awards, including best wines in the world, and as a reward Casa Marin can now proudly say they have their own “Grand Cru” status.