The harvest began on the 9th of February, approximately 12 days earlier than last season, confirming an advanced cycle. The grapes from chardonnay<\/em> destined for the award-winning Cordillera line, were initially developed under very favourable conditions, with a cool spring and no frost events.<\/p>\n However, since last December, temperatures began to rise and remained high throughout January. February, a key month for the harvest on this side of the hemisphere, was particularly warm, which significantly accelerated the fruit's ripening.<\/p>\n In this context, \u201cthe precise decision of the moment of harvest was fundamental to preserve the natural acidity and freshness, essential characteristics of the style of these wines. One of the positive aspects of the season was the greater water availability. Winter rains were higher than in recent years, which allowed for an improvement in soil condition and favoured balanced vegetative development, with good colour and adequate grape bunch fill,\u201d confirms Eduardo Jord\u00e1n, oenologist and technical director of Miguel Torres Chile.<\/p>\n However, according to Jord\u00e1n, the valley continues to face a structural drought condition, inherent to its semi-arid climate. With these conditions, the projections are positive: a high-quality wine is expected, with marked freshness, the traditional saline notes of the Limar\u00ed Valley, and a firm structure in the mouth.<\/p>\n The season began with a cold winter, particularly during June, which allowed for adequate accumulation of cold hours and ensured balanced budburst. Some varieties, such as Malbec, started their development somewhat early, while Cabernet Sauvignon remained within the usual ranges.<\/p>\n Spring was generally favourable. However, \u201con 4 October, a severe frost in Cauquenes mainly affected Pa\u00eds and Chardonnay, although it was a localised event. Flowering and fruit set developed in mostly optimal conditions, although some colder periods caused mild shot berries in specific sectors and more sensitive varieties,\u201d indicates the winemaker.<\/p>\n In productive terms, the season shows encouraging signs: very good yields in sauvignon blanc<\/em>. Important recovery in varieties of chardonnay<\/em> and Pais<\/em>, after a particularly low previous season, where some vineyards recorded production drops close to 30%.<\/p>\n For cabernet sauvignon<\/em>, Eduardo Jord\u00e1n indicates that \u201cit is still early, but projections suggest a better productive performance than last year\u201d.<\/p>\n The season can be described as warm and dry, which has necessitated careful irrigation management in irrigated areas, preparing the plants to cope with periods of high temperatures.<\/p>\n However, at the end of January, hail fell in isolated areas of the Maipo Valley, \u201csomething very unusual for that date and in that area, but without affecting the vineyards where our Cabernet Sauvignon cordillera.<\/em> And recently, in mid-March, it rained quite a lot in this area, which has meant we've had to constantly monitor the health of the vines. So far, the grapes are in very good sanitary condition. In this regard, the objective for the technical team will always be to maintain freshness, balance, and a faithful expression of the origin in the wines,\u201d indicates Jord\u00e1n.<\/p>\n In the South, the 2026 harvest is still underway. It is estimated that there are about four weeks left until the harvest of the sauvignon blanc<\/em> destined to be one of the flagship wines of the Cordillera line. The season began with a mild spring and no severe frosts, a key factor in ensuring good yields.<\/p>\n The start of summer was relatively dry, \u201calthough February and the part of March that has passed have recorded abundant rainfall. So far, the health of the vineyard is good. The grapes are observed to be healthy, projected yields are positive, and ripening is progressing slightly faster than in the previous season. However, in this area, the climate over the next few weeks will be decisive in defining the final outcome of the harvest. A vintage marked by the balance between climate and experience,\u201d emphasizes Eduardo Jord\u00e1n.<\/p>\n In general terms, for the technical director of Miguel Torres Chile, the 2026 harvest season has begun with favourable conditions for various varieties and regions of the country. The north offers concentration and freshness; the central-south shows signs of productive recovery and balance; while the south is progressing with very good sanitary conditions and positive expectations.<\/p>\n However, recent rainfall recorded in some areas could represent a factor to consider going forward, necessitating constant monitoring and careful management in this final stage of the season.<\/p>\n Each region faces challenges, but the common denominator has been the capacity for adaptation and timely viticultural decision-making, which are fundamental for responding to an increasingly dynamic climate. \u201cWhere the season once again confirms that the accumulated experience in each vineyard allows for better interpretation each year and for the continued creation of wines with identity, balance, and character,\u201d concludes Jord\u00e1n.<\/p>\n More information at Miguel Torres Chile<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Water](\"https:\/\/dechilealpaladar.cl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/el-manejo-del-riego-y-el-monitoreo-sanitario-han-sido-claves-en-una-temporada-condicionada-por-eventos-climaticos-variables-desde-heladas-hasta-lluvias-de-marzo.jpg\")
Central-South Zone: from Maipo to Itata<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"Chile's](\"https:\/\/dechilealpaladar.cl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/la-diversidad-geografica-de-chile-define-el-caracter-de-la-cosecha-con-realidades-distintas-entre-limari-el-centro-sur-y-el-sur-del-pais.jpg\")
South Zone - Osorno<\/strong><\/h4>\n