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.   

South American Wines - Tasting 5 11 2010

South American Wine Tasting May 11th, 2010

This month we tasted wines from South America, specifically Argentina and Chile.  While these two countries are relative newcomers to the international wine scene, they make some interesting and tasty wines such as malbecs, carmenères and torrontés.  Overall, the wines are fruit-forward, plush and easy to drink as well as quite affordable.  Enjoy!

Santa Rita Reserva 2008 ~ $11

Casablanca, Chile

Sauvignon Blanc

A cool climate sauvignon blanc that is a very pale yellow in color.  On the nose, there is a briny, lemony edge.  The palate continues with a saline, lemon, bitterness.  This is a rather restrained wine without too much fruit.  Overall, a nice aperitif wine to have with fish, etc.  

Colomé 2008 ~ $12

Salta, Argentina

Torrontés

A honey-colored wine from the northern wine region of Salta.  The nose on this torrontés is intensely floral, almost perfumed.  This floral quality is not as evident on the palate.  It is quite dry, with a ripe, almost spicy taste.  I love this wine, however, it is not for everyone, much like a chenin blanc or a viognier.  

Morande Reserva 2007 ~ $12

Maipo Valley, Chile

Carmenère

A light, brick-colored red, this was actually quite a delicate wine.  It had a great nose of red berries with a little earth undertones.  The palate was almost merlot-like with lots of earth, smoke and tobacco.  

Cousino Macul Antiguas Reservas 2007 ~ $14 

Maipo Valley, Chile

Cabernet Sauvignon

This cabernet did not offer much of a nose.   It had a velvety mouthfeel that was quite pleasant.  The palate was very restrained with hints of cherries and a little spice.  Overall, I was underwhelmed. 

Veramonte Reserva 2008 ~ $12

Colchagua Valley, Chile

Cabernet Sauvignon

A bright red cabernet from a newer wine region of Chile.  The nose was restrained with a little red fruit and smoke.  The palate was less than fantastic - it was overly acidic with a green pepper edge.  I would not recommend.

Crios de Susana Balbo 2008 ~ $13

Mendoza, Argentina

Bonarda/Syrah

This deep red wine is quite a bargain.  It has lovely aromas of black fruit and vanilla-oak.  The palate continues with the black fruit, as well as smoke and some earthy, forest-floor.  It took a little while for this wine to open up, so I would plan ahead when drinking.

Bodegas El Porvenir de los Andes Amuata 2005 ~ $25

Salta, Argentina

Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah

This turned out to be my favorite wine of the evening.  It is a deep, purplish red wine that has aromas of black fruit and leather.  On the palate it is almost over-ripe, with lush black fruit anchored by tannins.  This is a well-made wine that managed to achieve balance considering the northern latitude.  

Viña Cobos "Felino" 2008 ~ $18

Mendoza, Argentina

Malbec

I think this wine represents simple malbec at its best.  The winery is helmed by one of my favorite winemakers in the USA, Paul Hobbs.  The deep red wine had lovely red fruit on the nose.  The palate was plush yet light.  It continued with the red fruit and had velvety layers with a bit of spice.  A good deal!

Pulenta Estate Gran X 2006 ~ $35

Luján de Cuyo, Argentina

Malbec

This was my second favorite wine and a fun example of an Argentine sub-region.  This opaque, but lighter red wine had a nose of red fruits, violets and a bit of earth.  On the tongue it had more red fruit, but also displayed interesting notes such as coconut, toast and plum.  You could definitely tell that this wine had been aged in wine.  

~  Most of these wines were sourced in Austin.  The few that weren't are from Vines of Mendoza (www.vinesofmendoza.com), an excellent purveyor of Argentine wines.