South American Wines - Cheat Sheet

Lessons Learned or the Top 10 Things to Know about South American Wines (to sound like a wine geek!)

Argentina

1.  Though Argentines have been making wine for centuries, the modern wine industry, as we know it, didn't happen until very recently - the market exploded in the 1990's.

2.  Most of the wine regions are in the western part of the country, tucked up against the Andes.  The vineyards have a very high altitude and semi-arid conditions resulting in the need for irrigation from snow-melt in the Andes.  The irrigation systems have been around since before the wine industry and are called acequias.  

3.  The sandy, alluvial soil that dominates results in plush, easy to drink wines.  

4. The main varietal of Argentina is Malbec, a traditional Bordeaux blending grape.  Torrontés (white) and Bonarda (red) are two other varietals that are commonly used.  Other, more common European varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon are planted and vinified as well.

5.  The wine regions of Argentina begin in the far north and continue down to the Río Negro.  The main wine region is Mendoza which has made a name for itself off the Malbec grape.  It has been so successful that it has 3 sub-regions - Maipú, Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley.  Another region of note is Salta, which is to the far north and contains some of the highest altitude vineyards in the world.  

Chile

1.  Chile, like Argentina, has been producing wine for centuries, however, it only began to garner international attention in the 1990s.  

2.  Most of the wine regions are nestled in between the coastal mountain range and the Andes.  The Pacific Ocean plays a very important part in the climate; in particular, the Humboldt Current, which is very cold, runs along the Chilean coast and greatly moderates the temperature.  It also provides some irrigation from the resulting fogs.  It is much like Northern California's climate.  Additionally, the vineyards can be irrigated by snow-melt from the Andes if necessary.  

3.  The soil in Chile is amazing - anything can grow it seems.  However, this very generous soil is not great for making nuanced wines.  The result is the continued production of fruity, easy to drink wines. 

4.  Chile, much like Argentina, has a varietal that is closely associated with its wines - Carmenère.  For many years the rare Carmenère grape was confused with Merlot, however, it is a distinct varietal.  Chile also produces quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.  

5.  Most of the wine regions in Chile center around Santiago and continue south to Concepción.  The most prominent wine region is the Maipo Valley - it is Cabernet country.  Other regions of note include Casablanca (cool, coastal region known for Sauvignon Blanc), Cachapoal Valley, Colchagua Valley and Maule Valley.