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The Limari Valley
So who knows its location?
Very few indeed one must suspect. It is the most northerly wine region in Chile, situated just 25 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and about 250 miles above the capital city of Santiago. The Limari Valley lies slightly south of the Atacama Desert, which is the driest place on Earth. Its leading brand is Francisco de Aguirre and its winery, which opened its doors as recently as 1993, is one of the most modern in South America. Its name was adopted from the historic figure of the eponymous Franciscan monk who planted the first vineyard in Chile in the vicinity around 1548.
One English wine shipper explained to me how he had driven to the Limari Valley to visit the winery. 'It was one of those drives that you thought would never finish and then eventually you come
upon a massive business operation, yet it is not for wine but the production of Chile's favourite drink the Pisco Sour. Then you drive on and suddenly you enter this valley of stunning beauty and discover the
Francisco de Aguirre winery and find that happily the wines deserve their scenery.'
 Whilst its history and its unique location gave the project an exciting start, the even better news is that head winemaker, Gonzalo Perez and his
team have been producing some outstanding results. In the UK four levels of the Francisco de Aguirre wines are sold under the names Misty Peak, Tierra Arena, Palo Alto (Chardonnay and
Merlot stocked by Parisa at £4.99) and Palo Alto Reservado. These include the Misty Peak Limari Valley White, which is vinified predominantly from Pedro Ximenez, a grape which is usually used for
sweetening Sherry in Spain. Here it produces an off dry white which is recommended with Oriental cuisine. Then there are the Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays, Merlots and Cabernets you would
expect from Chile, but if you are a lover of real red wine please go out of your way to obtain a bottle of Francisco de Aguirre Palo Alto Reservado Syrah 1999. It is a magnificent wine with an
intense ruby colour. Sipping a glass is reminiscent of the ripest, richest plums being squeezed drop by drop into a glass, with
a touch of a secret spice scattered on its surface. The sublime aftertaste lasts for an hour; all these characteristics are the result of the high mineral content of the soil.
There is very little of this wine so you will need to search. But you can find it at Avery's of Bristol where it sells for £6.99.
It is a very easy way to remember the Limari Valley.
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Last updated on July 23, 2008