Maule is Chile’s largest producing valley, with 43% of the country’s total planted area concentrated here at the southern end of the long Central Valley. Once predominately planted to the rustic variety País, many of the older, head-trained vines have now given way to vertically-positioned Cabernet Sauvignon, while Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Carmenère follow close behind, and there is an impressive assortment of varieties lending new expression to the valley. This is one of Chile’s most geographically diverse valleys, and it can be divided into the Pacific, Inter-Andes-Pacific, and Andes regions. The climate is Mediterranean sub-humid throughout, with variations in the different sectors. The Pacific section, closest to the Coastal Mountain range, has higher temperatures and lower rainfalls (700 mm / 28 in per year), while the opposite is true when moving toward the Andean piedmont with average annual rainfalls of up to 1,000 mm (39 in). Add to this a broad range of soil types and it is easy to see why there are a diversity of flavors and styles being developed in the Maule. Several large international investors (California’s Kendall Jackson amongst others) have been attracted to this region. It also has many small boutique style independents. Chile’s first organic wines were produced in this area in Cauquenes.