Chile - Leyda
Leyda Valley, along with Casablanca Valley and Aconcagua Valley make up the Aconcagua wine region and so small in size it could be regarded as part of the Aconcagua Valley. Historically the land been used for cattle grazing and chicken farms but the first vines were planted in 1997.
Overlooking the Maipo estuary 14 km from the coast Leyda is another cool climate area, the vines benefit from sea breezes with temperatures significantly below those of Casablanca on the other side of the hill. Importantly for an area that has no natural water sources, fog will form both morning and afternoon creating an ideal growing environment giving grapes bright flavours and crisp, refreshing acidity.
The Leyda Valley is regarded by some a dead-ringer for the Sonoma Coast, though only half a dozen wines are currently working there.