Colchagua, one of Chile's most famous red wine regions, is located in central Chile, about a two hour drive from Santiago. It is part of the larger Rapel Valley. This is a slightly warm region, ideal for reds, but there are vineyards in the western reaches of the valley that are quite cool and are well suited to intensely flavored Sauvignon Blanc. But the powerful red wines, especially those made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Carmenere, have been the signature wines of Colchagua to date. Deep in color, with ripe black fruit and medium weight tannins, these are excellent examples of New World reds; in this way, they have more in common with Napa Valley reds than Maipo Valley or other Chilean regions. (Wine/Appellations)