The best South American wines are produced in Chile and Argentina, including varieties of Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A trip to the wine regions makes for a fantastic holiday, full of beautiful scenery and, of course, fabulous drinks. But luckily for us we don’t have to venture that far to enjoy some of our favourite South American wines, as they are available to buy in most supermarkets!
So, here are a few of our favourites… Torrontés is a white Argentine grape variety, which produces a fresh, slightly acidic wine. The grapes fare best in the northwest of the country, around the Salta region, where the conditions are colder and dryer. The Terrazas Selection Torrontés is grown further south in the Mendoza region, producing more delicate aromas of rose and orange blossom, with fruity notes of mango and pear. A roast dinner would make a good, complimentary pairing. An iconic Chilean red, Don Melchor’s elegant and refined Cabernet Sauvignon is a prize-winning wine and arguably one of the best South America has to offer. Produced in one of the largest vineyards in the Maipo Valley, it is smooth-bodied and fresh, retaining the richness of Cabernet. Silky tannins and aromas of cherry and plum add to the moderately acidic, ripe flavour, making it a good accompaniment for rich meats, such as steak or lamb. Full-bodied with hints of raisin and blackberry, this powerful red is as rich as they come! Another grape hailing from the Mendoza region of Argentina, Alamos Malbec is the perfect accompaniment for a heavy meat dish, preferably roasted or cured, but it would also compliment a cheese board as an after-dinner wine. The Andes are the backdrop for Mendoza’s vineyards Chile may not be famed for its Rosés, but those who prefer the soft, fruitier notes of a pink wine will enjoy MontGras Pink Zin, from the Colchagua Valley. Its complex flavours of red cherry, raspberry, and cranberry are complimented with crisp, green apple notes, making it a good accompaniment for seafood dishes or light, fresh salads. This full-bodied, smooth Chilean Merlot is dark in colour with sweet, rich flavours. With warm, vanilla notes, Cono Sur offers a fine, hearty wine which pairs well with lamb. It is grown in the Southern Rapel sub-valley, between Colchagua and Cachapoal, making for a very unique Merlot indeed, and a worthy addition to our list of the best South American wines. Brazil is certainly not up there with the likes of Argentina or Chile when it comes to winemaking, but the Casa Vaduga Leopildina is a tropical alternative to the more traditional Chardonnay, which is why we class it as one of the best South American wines. This is a dry white, lightly oaked, with fruity, tropical flavours which perfectly complements light summer meals. But with such an interesting flavour it is certainly drinkable on its own as well. Traditional values reign in Chile’s wine regions A wonderfully savory offering from Argentina’s southernmost wine region, Comahue Patagonian Pinot Noir benefits from the cold climate and melt water of the Andes. It is bright, medium dry and spicy, with bold aromas of black cherry and bell pepper. A rich duck dish or camembert cheese starter would make good pairings. This fabulous Chilean Chardonnay may not in the same league as some of the countries more popular red varieties, but it’s tropical, fruity flavours make it the perfect partner for a roast dinner or even a fish pie. With citrus hints and notes of honey, Isla Negra is an affordable and reliable white which is a great choice for summer parties. A good alternative to the Argentine Malbec, this full-bodied Syrah offers a blend of smoky, fruity flavours, with notes of chocolate and tobacco. Grown in the central-western Cuyo region, Finca Las Moras is sophisticated and warming, making it the perfect partner for those hearty winter meals, especially Christmas dinner! Argentina’s stunning mountain vineyards Most of the best South American wines are available to buy in liquor shops and supermarkets, so you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a good glass of Chardonnay. However, if you are a budding wine connoisseur (or even if you just enjoy the odd tipple!), a trip to the stunning wine regions of Chile or Argentina could be right up your alley! We can even arrange vineyard tours by bike (from £100pp for a day tour) or – if you really want to indulge your inner gaucho – by horseback through the vineyards of Mendoza – this one’s a little more expensive, at £230pp, although it includes two tasting sessions and a traditional asado barbecue lunch: perfect with those spicy Malbecs… Still thirsty? Take a look at our top 10 drinks to try in South America!
Terrazas Selection Torrontés
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Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon
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Alamos Malbec
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MontGras Pink Zin Rosé
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Cono Sur 20 Barrels Merlot
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Casa Valduga Leopoldina Chardonnay
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Comahue Patagonian Pinot Noir
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Isla Negra Seashore Chardonnay
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Finca Las Moras Three Valleys Gran Syrah
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