Introduction
Are you a wine aficionado looking for your next great bottle? Then let us introduce you to the delicious and diverse wines of South America.
From Argentina, to Chile, to Uruguay, each of these countries has its own unique terroir and traditional grape varieties. In this article, we’ll explore the variety of wines on offer from each of these South American countries and showcase their most popular styles.
So pour yourself a glass and read on for a tour of the best wines of South America!
Argentina
is known for producing red wines that feature a diverse range of flavors. Malbec is a notable varietal that is a favorite of vintners and winemakers alike. These bold wines offer a rich, full-bodied flavor that pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Other red wines produced in Argentina include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Tempranillo. Argentina also produces white wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Torrontés, which offer a crisp and refreshing taste. With a wide range of flavor profiles to choose from, it is no surprise that Argentine wines are a popular choice for wine lovers around the globe.
Traditional Grapes
South American wines are predominantly produced from classic grape varieties, such as those of European origin, but the region has developed some unique grape varieties of its own. Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay are all known for their strong, rustic flavors.
Argentina is known for its Malbec and Torrontes grapes. Malbec is a deeply colored, full-bodied red wine, while Torrontes produces a white wine with a strong citrus aroma.
Chile has become well-known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, among other grape varieties. Sauvignon Blanc is a popular white wine, with a citrus and herbaceous character.
In Uruguay, Tannat is the most popular variety of grape. It is used to make robust, intense red wines with berry and chocolate flavor notes.
Overall, the wines of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay show a unique combination of both traditional and unique grape varieties, creating distinctive and memorable flavor profiles.
Most Popular Styles
When it comes to South American wines, three styles are particularly popular: Carmenère, Malbec, and Tannat.
Carmenère is a deep red grape that originates from Bordeaux, France. It is grown in limited quantities in Chile, where it produces a full-bodied, tannic wine with notes of raspberry, blackberry, and tobacco.
Malbec is primarily found in Argentina, where it produces a medium- to full-bodied wine with aromas of ripe blackberry and plum, accompanied by a hint of spices.
Tannat is a bold, tannic grape grown mostly in Uruguay, although it is also found in many other South American countries. It produces structured wines with bold tannins and intense, fruity flavors.
Chile
is a major producer of wines in South America, and its wines have been enjoyed around the world for over 200 years. Many of Chile’s wines come from the country’s Central Valley region, which includes the Maipo Valley and Rapel Valley. The country is known for its diverse range of varietals, from popular Carmenère to lesser-known but increasingly sought-after varieties such as Pais, Carignan and Mourvèdre. Chilean wines are generally known for their bright fruit flavors, medium body, and easy drinking character. Some of Chile’s most popular wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay.
Traditional Grapes
South American wines are well-known for their intense flavor and complexity. Each country in the region grows a variety of grapes and makes a variety of wines. The differences between the countries may be subtle, such as different climates that lead to different ripening times, or more obvious, such as grapes that are exclusive to a specific country.
In Argentina, some of the most popular grapes include Malbec, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Torrontes. Chile produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as the unique Carménère. Uruguay is well-known for Tannat and Albarino. Each country produces wines from additional grapes, and innovation has created a number of exciting new styles of wine to explore and enjoy.
Most Popular Styles
When it comes to South American wine, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are some of the most popular sources of quality, affordable wines. While Argentina is renowned for its Malbec and Torrontés, Chile produces some of the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Meanwhile, Uruguay is known for its Tannat grape, a heavy, tannic red wine with a unique flavor profile. Each country produces a variety of other styles, ranging from light and sparkling white wines to full-bodied and robust reds. While there are many delicious and interesting styles to choose from, these three countries are likely to remain the most popular sources of South American wines for the foreseeable future.
Uruguay
is positioned between Argentina and Brazil and is considered the smallest of the South American wine countries. Although the mountains in the country limit cultivation, it is known for producing Tannat, one of the most powerful and dependable reds in the continent. Additionally, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and the aromatic whites of albariño, sauvignon blanc, and viognier are also grown in Uruguay. Other interesting varieties such as mission, verdejo, and tempranillo are also being cultivated in the country. Compared to the other South American countries, wine production in Uruguay is fairly small, but the quality of the wines is quite high.
Traditional Grapes
The three South American countries of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay all have unique soil, climate, and terrain that allow for the production of a wide variety of wine grapes. In Argentina, traditional grapes include Malbec and Torrontés, both of which are popular red and white varieties respectively. Malbec is well-known for its spicy and dark fruit flavors, while Torrontés is known for its floral and citrus notes. In Chile, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere are two of the most popular red varieties, and Sauvignon Blanc is the white grape of choice. Finally, in Uruguay, Tannat is the most notable red grape. It is known for being full-bodied and tannic and is often blended with other grapes to soften its sharpness.
Most Popular Styles
The most popular wine styles in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Malbec is a full-bodied, dark-colored red wine with fruity, spicy and oaky flavors. This variety is grown in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Argentina and is enjoyed all around the world. Sauvignon Blanc is a dry, light-bodied white wine with aromas of citrus, grass and herbs. It is grown in Chile and Uruguay and is a favorite among foodies. Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine with flavors of apples, peaches, pears and melon. It is grown in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay and is popular due to its versatility.
