South American Wines
Regions
South American wines are fruity, bold, and complex.
Argentina: Dominated by Mendoza and its subregions (High Valley, Uco Valley), each offering altitude-influenced intensity, complemented by Salta in the north and Patagonia in the south.
Chile: Ranges from the coastal Casablanca Valley (cool climate for whites) to Maipo, Colchagua, and Colchagua’s Montes for warm-climate reds, and mountainous Limarí.
Varietals
South America is known for native varietals and Merlot
Malbec (Argentina): Plush, dark-fruited, and richly textured with cedar and black cherry.
Torrontés (Argentina): An aromatic white with floral passionfruit and citrus brightness.
Carménère (Chile): Rediscovered varietal with herbal spice and red fruit depth.
Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay (Chile): Coastal freshness and zesty aromatics, increasingly paired with quality oak expression.
History
Introduced by Spanish colonists in the 16th century, winemaking expanded with European immigration in the 19th. Argentina’s Malbec gained global renown in the early 2000s, while Chile became recognized for its clean, vineyard-forward styles and natural resource advantages.