Wines Casablanca Valley Tierra y hombre - 2019

Tierra y hombre 2019 from Casablanca Valley is a Chilean red wine that offers a charming expression of the region’s unique climate and winemaking tradition. While the precise grape variety is not specified, Casablanca Valley reds can, depending on the vintage and producer, showcase varietals such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, or even blends involving Merlot or Carmenère. The 2019 vintage was generally marked by favourable weather conditions in the region, resulting in beautifully ripe fruit with a balanced freshness. Wines from this area are often characterised by vibrant fruit notes, moderate tannins, and a certain underlying elegance, due in part to the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean breezes. Vinification methods here tend to emphasise purity of fruit and, often, minimal oak, letting the terroir shine through.

The Casablanca Valley, just a short drive from Santiago, is acclaimed for its relatively cool climate compared to other Chilean valleys. This is largely thanks to the Humboldt Current, which brings cool, foggy mornings and refreshing winds, helping to slow grape ripening and preserve acidity. The soils here are predominantly clay and sandy loam, contributing to the finesse and aromatic lift that are hallmarks of the region’s wines. Over the past few decades, Casablanca has forged a strong reputation as one of Chile’s premier sites for elegant, food-friendly wines, particularly reds and whites that balance fruit intensity with a refreshing structure.

For food pairings, this red’s likely supple tannins and fresh acidity make it quite versatile at the table. It would pair beautifully with dishes such as grilled salmon with herbs, roast duck, or a mushroom risotto. For a regional touch, consider Chilean empanadas filled with beef or vegetables, or pastel de choclo, which would complement the fruit and savoury notes of the wine.

To best appreciate its character, serve this Casablanca Valley red slightly cool, ideally at 15-17°C. Decanting for twenty to thirty minutes before serving can help open up its aromatic profile, ensuring a more expressive and enjoyable tasting experience.