{"title":"COQUIMBO","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/CoquimboCollectionBanner.jpg?v=1547563913\" alt=\"View of the port city Coquimbo in Chile's Elqui Province\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eBordering the arid southern edge of the Atacama Desert, the spectacular \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"72\"\u003eCoquimbo wine region\u003c\/b\u003e is one of the most visually dramatic and geologically fascinating viticultural landscapes in South America. This northern Chilean territory encompasses three distinct, pioneering river valleys—Elqui, Limarí, and Choapa—that cut horizontally from the high peaks of the Andes down to the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. Traditionally celebrated almost exclusively for growing the grapes destined for Chile's iconic brandy, Pisco, a visionary generation of contemporary winemakers has transformed this sun-baked desert into a world-class hotspot for vibrant, fresh, and intensely mineral-driven cool-climate wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003eThe northernmost outpost is the breathtaking Elqui Valley, where vineyards snake along the riverbed and climb to astonishing altitudes of up to 2,000 metres above sea level. This thin mountain air provides intense, brilliant sunlight by day, while freezing alpine winds plunge temperatures at night, allowing grapes to develop remarkably thick skins. Moving slightly south, the intriguing \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"389\"\u003eLimarí Valley\u003c\/b\u003e offers a completely different, maritime-influenced terroir. Here, the landscape receives less than four inches of annual rainfall, relying on precise drip irrigation fed by mountain snowmelt. Each morning, a dense Pacific fog known locally as the \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"650\"\u003eCamanchaca\u003c\/i\u003e blankets the vines in cool moisture, before retreating in the afternoon to expose the grapes to pure, unobstructed sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003eThe secret to the region's incredible success lies in how these extreme climates interact with the unique local soils. In Limarí, ancient, calcium-rich limestone clay deposits yield exceptional, world-class \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"207\"\u003eChardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/b\u003e defined by a crystalline, chalky mineral edge, alongside elegant expressions of Pinot Noir. Meanwhile, the steep, rocky foothill soils of Elqui and the narrow, mountain-squeezed Choapa Valley produce deeply coloured, powerfully structured \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"477\"\u003eSyrah and Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/b\u003e packed with cracked black pepper spice, dark fruit, and a refreshing natural acidity. These are pristine, highly focused wines that offer a completely fresh and sophisticated perspective on Chilean viticulture.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"undurraga-terroir-hunter-chardonnay-limari-valley","title":"Undurraga Terroir Hunter Chardonnay 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eTerroir Hunter is the emblematic range of wines produced by Undurraga, which perfectly represent the diversity and quality to be found in Chile's vineyard sites.  Undurraga cultivates their vineyards with respect for the environment and follow a philosophy of minimal intervention in the cellar in order to showcase each individual terroir. The grapes for the Undurraga TH Chardonnay were sourced from a selected vineyard in Quebrada Seca, located on the western side of the Limarí Valley, 380 kilometres to the north of Santiago. This relatively new region for the production of high quality wines has the perfect climate for slow ripening and preserving the fresh aromas of the grapes. At the winery the grapes were rigorously sorted, ensuring that only the finest fruit underwent gentle pressing. The free-run and lightly pressed juices were racked to egg shaped concrete tanks and large Burgundian oak barrels (16% new), where fermentation took place. After fermentation, the wine was left on its lees and aged for 10 months with regular bâtonnage, imparting the wine with more body, weight and identity. This award winning Chardonnay displays fresh aromas of camomile flowers, lemon, melon and pear, complemented by touches of toasted hazelnut and coastal mineral notes. Smooth and creamy on the palate, delicate notes of oak spice are exquisitely balanced by fresh acidity through to an elegant finish. [#intro]A concentrated and aromatically expressive Chardonnay from Chile's Limarí Valley...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Undurraga","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31587133161539,"sku":"A23UNDURRAGATHCHD-1","price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/THChardonnay.jpg?v=1587649973"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/CoquimboImage.jpg?v=1547564686","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/coquimbo-wine.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}