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There's something about the Elqui Valley that attracts visionaries.

The region's fantastically clear skies have drawn international scientists who gaze at the stars through the southern hemisphere's strongest telescopes. Elqui's so-called magnetic energy has made the region a center for mystics and flying saucer seekers. But wine (and not UFOs) is what has truly put Elqui on the vinous map. After a bottling of Syrah from Elqui won “Best in Show” during the Wines of Chile Awards in 2005, not only Chile but the world was quickly won over to the potential of these northern vineyards.

The Elqui Valley (say EL-kee), Chile's northernmost wine region, is especially well-suited for cool weather varietals. Running from the Andes mountains in the east to the coast in the west, the Elqui river cuts a dramatic swath in this high, semi-desert landscape located 300 miles north of the country's capital, Santiago. Rain here is rare; the middle and upper valley portions enjoy more than 300 pristine, sunny days per year. More than 90% of the valley's wine production is dedicated to red wine varietals, such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère.

One of the region's finest coastal vineyards for wine, “Titon,” sits less than 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean in the western half of the Elqui Valley, at an altitude of more than 1,000 feet. These rolling, reddish vineyard hills are made up primarily of crushed granite and clay. Similar to Syrah from the northern Rhône, wine from these steep hillside vineyards combine great structure along with invigorating spice and lively complexity. Carménère here too benefits from a long growing season and moderate climate.

The combination of clear skies, low rainfall and consistent winds in the valley help keep vineyards healthy; as a result, many pioneering winemakers are dedicated to organic cultivation—many of which are internationally certified. Our selections from Elqui are either completely organic or are raised as naturally as possible.

Vintners in Elqui Valley

• Alto Sol, an NBI exclusive selection from Chile: World-class vineyards and varietals perfectly suited to their terroirs.…
• Chono (Chile): Alvaro Espinoza is one of the premier organic winemakers…