History of Vina Casa Silva, Chile
Founded in 1892, Viña Casa Silva is a family owned Chilean winery based in Colchagua, south of Santiago. It is one of the rare Estates to be run full time by one family, currently 5th and 6th generations. Their aim is to pioneer and develop better knowledge of `terroir` in the region and produce premium wines of real individuality. Casa Silva announced its arrival to the markets with the IWSC Trophy for `Best South American Producer 2000`.
Vineyards
Casa Silva own 830 ha of vineyards in 3 different locations within the Colchagua Valley: 100 ha at Los Lingues, located in the north on the Andes foothills, this is planted with premium quality, Reserva vines; 350 ha of old vines (over 90 years old) around the historic winery at Angostura in the middle of the valley, and 380 ha of mini-plots in the south at Lolol, close to the Pacific ocean.
The Colchagua Valley is the top Chilean district for red varieties with major investments being made by prestigious French and Californian producers as it is Phyloxera free. Wines tend to have more finesse and complexity than Maipo.
Gonzalo Silva supervises the vineyards where they grow three principal red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère ( an old Bordeaux variety from where the quality Chilean vines originated). Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot have recently been planted. In whites, they produce Chardonnay, a dry Sauvignon Blanc, a Sémillon Late Harvest, as well as the world`s only Sauvignon Gris (100 year old vines). Recent plantations also include Viognier and Gewurztraminer.
Casa Silva Winery
Mario Pablo Silva, the youthful Managing Director, has ensured modern winemaking techniques, assisted by one of Chile`s leading oenologists, Mario Geisse García. García previously worked for the LVMH Brazilian company, Provifin. In 1990 he was awarded the national viticultural and winemaking award.
The only occasion in the history of the award that it has been presented to a winemaker working outside Chile. The winery is one of the most beautiful in Chile, combining traditional style architecture with state of the art equipment.
