Chilean Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting notes

Body	Light to medium body: low viscosity wine with a zesty acidity and moderate alcohol and no sweetness.
Grape flavours	Citrus: Lemon, lime, and grapefruit Tropical fruits like passion fruit and guava. Green apple, gooseberry and subtle herbaceousness. Minerality
Winemaker flavours	Generally none. May have a light oaking
Aging Flavours	Not typically aged. Some finer wines can see grape flavours fade slightly as aging flavours of honey, beeswax, or subtle nuttiness come on.

The History of Chilean Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc

Chilean Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc is a relatively recent addition to the country’s winemaking landscape, but it has quickly gained recognition for its quality and distinct characteristics. The history of this style of wine is closely tied to the evolution of Chilean viticulture and the unique terroir of the Casablanca Valley.

Chilean winemaking dates back to the Spanish colonization in the 16th century when European grape varieties were introduced to the region. For centuries, Chilean wine production was primarily focused on domestic consumption, and the country’s wines had limited international exposure.

In the late 20th century, Chile’s wine industry underwent a transformation. Winemakers began to explore new regions and grape varieties, aiming to produce wines that could compete on the global stage. One of these emerging regions was the Casablanca Valley, located near the Pacific Ocean. Its cool climate, influenced by the Humboldt Current, and well-draining soils made it an ideal location for growing certain grape varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc.

The first Sauvignon Blanc vineyards were planted in the Casablanca Valley in the 1980s and early 1990s. These plantings marked the beginning of a new chapter in Chilean winemaking, as winemakers started to experiment with this grape in the region. The initial results were promising, with the Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc displaying a distinctive flavor profile that set it apart from other Chilean Sauvignon Blancs.

Over the years, Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc gained recognition for its crisp acidity, citrus and uniquely tropical fruit flavors, and its ability to express the unique terroir of the Casablanca Valley. Winemakers in the region continued to refine their techniques, experimenting with different vineyard sites, fermentation methods, and aging practices to further enhance the wine’s quality.

By the early 21st century, Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc had established itself as a prominent style within the Chilean wine industry. The Casablanca Valley became renowned for producing some of the country’s finest Sauvignon Blanc wines, attracting attention both domestically and internationally.

Tasting Notes for Chilean Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc

1. Body: a light to medium body; a bright and zesty acidity; predominantly dry with little to no sweetness; moderate alcohol 12-13% ABV
2. Grape Flavors: lemon, lime, and grapefruit; tropical fruits like passion fruit and guava. There may also be green apple, gooseberry and a subtle herbaceousness, and minerality may have risen into the grape from the soil
3. Winemaker Flavoring: generally unoaked but may be lightly oaked. Little or no Malolactic Conversion or Lees Aging
4. Aging: not typically aged. Some finer wines can see grape flavours fade slightly as aging flavours of honey, beeswax, or subtle nuttiness come on.

Comparing Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc to other Sauvignon Blancs

Chilean Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc can exhibit some variations in taste compared to better-known Sauvignon Blancs from regions like Marlborough, New Zealand, or the Loire Valley in France. Here’s how Chilean Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc may differ:

1. More Moderate Climate:

• Chile’s Casablanca Valley has a cooler and more moderate climate compared to some other Sauvignon Blanc-producing regions. This climate leads to grapes with slightly different ripening profiles which affect the wine’s flavor. Chilean Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc tends to have a more restrained, less pungent grassiness and more balanced acidity.

2. Aromatic Profile:

• Chilean Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc often showcases a combination of citrus and tropical fruit aromas. While you can still expect the classic Sauvignon Blanc notes like lemon, lime, and green apple, there’s also a prevalence of tropical fruits like passion fruit, guava, and sometimes even melon. This tropical twist can set it apart from, for example, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which leans more towards green and herbaceous notes.

3. Rounded Acidity and Ripeness of Grape:

• The grapes in Casablanca due to the moderate climate have the opportunity to reach a slightly higher level of ripeness, contributing to a softer acidity and a more rounded palate. This gives it a more balanced acidity compared to some cooler regions like Marlborough, where the wines can be intensely zesty.

4. More Mineral Notes:

• Casablanca Valley’s terroir often imparts subtle mineral undertones to its Sauvignon Blanc wines, less common in regions with different soil types.

5. More Oak Influence:

• While not always the case, some Casablanca Sauvignon Blancs may be aged in oak barrels, even if just briefly. This can introduce nuances of vanilla, spice, and a creamy texture to the wine. This is in contrast to those from New Zealand or the Loire which are typically unoaked and emphasize their fruit-forward characteristics.

6. Less Herbaceousness:

• Chilean Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc tends to have milder herbaceous notes compared to its counterparts from cooler regions. Instead of strong grassy or green bell pepper aromas, you may find more subtle herbal hints, such as fresh-cut grass or green herbs.

Overall, Chilean Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc offers a unique expression of the grape variety, specifically tropical fruit notes, balanced acidity, and a touch of minerality. It’s a style that appeals to those who enjoy a more fruit-driven and approachable Sauvignon Blanc, compared to the more aggressively herbal and zesty profiles found in other regions.