Casablanca

Pacific breezes moderate Casablanca during the growing season, making the valley an important source of white wine. Sauvignon Blanc often provides the clearest introduction, with a fresh citrus-led profile, while Chardonnay ranges from direct, fruit-led bottlings to more textured styles. Pinot Noir also grows successfully in selected sites.

The region offers a useful counterpoint to Chile’s warmer inland Cabernet origins. Coastal influence changes the ripening pattern, rather than simply making every wine lighter. Read the producer’s description to distinguish a brisk, unoaked white from a fuller barrel-fermented version: both can carry the same Casablanca origin.