SOUTH AMERICAN WINES

READING BETWEEN THE WINES:

Wine stirs the spring, happiness
bursts through the earth like a plant,
walls crumble, and rocky cliffs,
chasms close, as song is born.
— Pablo Neruda, Chilean poet and diplomat

South American wines are the new kids on the block, but even with their short term on the export market, they’ve shown well. Just imagine what a little time will make them into.

MAJOR SOUTH AMERICAN WINE REGIONS

There are several wine regions in South America, each with their own flavor and style of wine. A couple of the major wine-producing regions are:

Argentina

Chile

THE GRAPES

The top grapes of the South American kind are as follows:

HOW TO ORDER/BUY

The South American wine label contains everything you need to know to make the perfect choice — from the grape varietals and vintage dates to the origin and producer.

Just keep in mind:

• If you’re new to South American wines, try the wines for which they’re known. You can’t go wrong with a Malbec or Torrontés.

• If you’re an experienced wine connoisseur and you know what you like — order your usual Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnays. Styles may vary a bit, but the basics hold up from country to country.

• When ordering whites and reasonably priced reds, stick to younger vintages.

• Pair South American foods with its wines for a true flavor experience.

• Look for some of your wine name favorites on South American wines. Several big name wine “guys” have invested in South American wineries or partnership endeavors with existing wineries. Look for names like Robert Mondavi, Kendall Jackson, Sebastiani, Hess, and more!

LEGAL QUALITY CODES

South America has strict controls on their wines, regulated by specific laws to ensure origin, authenticity, and style. These regulations standardize wine labels with regard to:

1. Winery or bodega
2. Varietal name
3. Vintage date
4. Appellation of origin
5. Alcohol content
6. Winery name and address

References

www.thewinedoctor.com

2BASNOB.com: The Guide to being a Beverage Snob