This paper reports on a study of chemical characterization and colour parameters of cv. Carignan red wines from
six locations and two production years of the Chilean Maule valley. The chemical study was performed on
polyphenolic composition (benzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, stilbenes, flavan-3-ols, flavonols
and anthocyanins) and several fractions of proanthocyanidins and polysaccharides. Results revealed that although
significantly (p < 0.05) different content of anthocyanins were observed according to the production
year, it could be possible to establish fingerprints of the different locations of the Maule valley wines. Thus,
wines from zones closer to the Andes Mountains had higher content of procyanidin B3 (Caliboro), polysaccharides
and cis-resveratrol-glucoside (Loncomilla and Melozal), whereas the proximity to the Pacific Ocean
provoked a unifying effect in chemical and colorimetric terms (Cauquenes, Sauzal and Huerta del Maule).
