Viña Carmen

Owners: Claro Group
Chief Winemaker: Ana María Cumsille
Website: carmen.com
Commercial Contact:
America: agauci@santarita.cl
EMEA: tpennington@santarita.cl
Asia: rmartinez@santarita.cl



History
Viña Carmen was founded in 1850 by Christian Lanz and named "Carmen" in honour of his beloved wife. The winery has more than 170 years of history, marked by significant milestones and successes achieved thanks to its experience, winemaking heritage, and constant pursuit of quality and excellence.

In 1994, Carménère was rediscovered in Viña Carmen's vineyards, specifically in the Alto Maipo Valley. This highly significant oenological event marked a turning point in the wine industry, both nationally and internationally. The rediscovery returned to the world's viticultural heritage a grape variety thought to be extinct since the mid-19th century, after being devastated by the phylloxera plague. As a result of this discovery, Carmen became a driving force behind the development of Carménère in Chile. Today, Viña Carmen is present in more than 50 countries. Its vast experience and history are reflected in the great consistency and quality of its wines, as well as in its commitment to producing wines capable of captivating those who taste them, generating unique and unforgettable experiences.

Viña Carmen also stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability, encompassing environmental, social, and economic aspects. The winery implements various initiatives throughout the entire process, from the vineyards to the community, to promote responsible viticulture. With this approach, Carmen not only produces quality wines but also seeks to inspire its consumers worldwide, conveying a unique experience that combines innovation, respect for nature, and a team dedicated to excellence.

Vineyards
Limarí Valley
A 134-hectare vineyard located 28 km from the Pacific Ocean and 400 km north of Santiago. The soils, typical of the second terrace of the Limarí Valley, are composed of alluvial deposits with an initial clay-textured layer and a second loam-clay layer with stones. Between both layers are calcium carbonate deposits. The climate is strongly influenced by the proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the low hills of the Coastal Range. Coastal fogs dissipate by midday, allowing the temperature to rise, although moderated by cool sea breezes. The proximity to the sea is also reflected in the relatively high afternoon temperatures, which can reach 20°C in January, the hottest month of the year. The average annual temperature is 15.3°C and the average annual rainfall is 150 mm. Varieties planted: Chardonnay.

Casablanca Valley
Located 80 km from Santiago and close to the Pacific Ocean (just 26 km), the soils are of colluvial-alluvial origin, with loam and sandy loam texture, poor in nutrients, highly permeable, and with low moisture retention. These characteristics result in low yields and highly concentrated varietal characteristics. The vineyards are planted at an average altitude of 500 m above sea level. The climate is Mediterranean, with an average thermal amplitude of 16°C between day and night. Proximity to the sea is the most important climatic factor in Casablanca, as it influences the cooling of the valley. The average annual temperature is 13.4°C and the average annual rainfall is 450 mm. Varieties planted: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.

Leyda Valley
An 85-hectare vineyard located just 14 km from the Pacific Ocean, in the Coastal Range, southwest of Santiago. Its soil is thin, clayey, and of granitic origin. The thermal conditions are Mediterranean, with low temperatures due to the proximity to the sea. The average annual temperature is 14.2°C and the average annual rainfall is 471 mm. Varieties planted: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Apalta Valley
A vineyard located 190 km south of Santiago. The soils are divided into sectors. In the upper sector, there are granitic sediments deposited at the base of the hills, with a loamy and sandy texture. In the middle sector, there are granitic sediments with an intermediate texture, and loam and clay soils. In the lower sector, alluvial deposits predominate with loam and loam-clay soils. The climate has a high thermal amplitude, with cool breezes from the coast through the Tinguiririca River. The average annual temperature is 14.7°C and the average annual rainfall is 684 mm. Varieties planted: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Carménère.

Maule Valley
It is the largest and most diverse wine region in Chile and allows the cultivation of both red and white grape varieties. The vineyard has around 170 hectares planted, benefiting from a Mediterranean climate and the influence of cold winds from the Andes Mountains at night. This climatic combination increases the daily thermal amplitude and shortens the period of maximum temperatures, allowing slow and optimal ripening of the fruits. Unlike other Chilean wine regions, the Maule Valley does not have maritime influence, which contributes to a particular aromatic intensity in the Carménère, with notes of spices and black pepper. Maule is also home to some of the oldest vineyards in the country, with dry farming and bush training, standing out as an excellent area for producing exceptional Carignan. Main varieties planted: Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carignan.

Wines from Viña Carmen