Grapes: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Carignan, Carménère, Petit Syrah & Petit Verdot
Alcohol: 14.6% abv
Type: Dry Red
Vintage: 2022
Format: 75cl
Designation: D.O. Chile
Country: Chile
L’Assemblage Grand Vin
L’Assemblage Grand Vin is a premium red blend that reflects the winery’s French winemaking heritage and the character of the coastal Chilean terroir. As its name suggests, the wine is an assemblage (blend) of several grape varieties, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Carignan, Carménère, Petit Syrah & Petit Verdot. The grapes are sourced from selected vineyard parcels in Casablanca Valley and carefully blended to achieve balance, complexity, and structure.
In appearance, the wine shows a deep ruby dark garnet colour, indicating its concentration and richness. On the nose, L’Assemblage Grand Vin offers a complex bouquet of dark fruits such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum, accompanied by notes of spice, cocoa, and subtle herbal and smoky aromas. Oak aging often adds further complexity, contributing hints of vanilla, toast, and cedar.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well structured, with ripe fruit flavors balanced by firm tannins and refreshing acidity. Layers of dark berries, spice, and light oak create depth and elegance, leading to a long, smooth, and persistent finish. L’Assemblage Grand Vin represents Villard’s flagship red blend, combining power, balance, and complexity while expressing the cool-climate character of the Casablanca Valley.
Region
The Casablanca Valley is one of Chile’s most important cool-climate wine regions, located about 75 km northwest of Santiago between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains. Its climate is strongly influenced by the nearby ocean, which gives the valley a cool Mediterranean climate with pronounced maritime influence. Cool air from the Pacific, particularly from the cold Humboldt Current, brings morning fog and afternoon breezes into the valley, moderating temperatures and preventing excessive heat during the growing season. This cooling effect allows grapes to ripen slowly, preserving acidity and developing fresh, aromatic flavors.
Climate & Terroir
One of the key climatic features of Casablanca Valley is the presence of morning fog and frequent cloud cover, which extend the growing season and protect the grapes from intense sunlight. Despite being located relatively close to the equator compared with many European wine regions, these maritime influences create conditions suitable for producing cool-climate wines. The valley also experiences noticeable day-night temperature differences, which help grapes maintain balance between sugar development and acidity. As a result, the region is particularly known for varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, which thrive in cooler environments.
The terroir of Casablanca Valley is shaped by its coastal location, rolling hills, and diverse soils. Many vineyards are planted on sandy, clay, or granitic soils, which are generally well drained and moderately fertile. These soils encourage vines to develop deeper root systems and help control vine vigor, leading to smaller berries with concentrated flavors. The valley’s gently sloping hillsides also allow good sun exposure while still benefiting from cooling ocean winds.
Overall, the combination of cool maritime climate, morning fog, moderate temperatures, and well-drained soils makes Casablanca Valley one of Chile’s most distinctive wine terroirs. These conditions produce wines that are typically fresh, aromatic, and balanced, with vibrant acidity and refined fruit flavors. Because of this unique terroir, the valley has become internationally recognized as a leading region for cool-climate white wines and elegant Pinot Noir.
Ideal drinking temperature 16° Celsius.
