The allure of robust, full-bodied reds that capture almost anyone’s palate, or the lively, succulent, often tangy white wines paired with seafood or renowned beef steaks—these experiences are unforgettable. It’s no wonder South America is a dreamland for many winemakers, sommeliers, wine enthusiasts, and gastronomic explorers.
The complexity and multitude of states in South America become clearer when viewed through the lens focused on producing quality wines. Primarily dictated by the continent’s climate, only the states between the 30th and 40th parallels of south latitude, part of the so-called “wine belt,” boast climates suitable for growing quality grapes. While winter buds are just about to bloom here, in these regions, ripe grapes are already being harvested. Wines from the opposite hemisphere have their seasons shifted by six months, allowing us to often taste these Southern Hemisphere wines during our harvest. This wine belt includes Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile, responsible for 85% of wine production in all of South America. Southern Brazil (Rio Grande) also hosts some vineyards, mainly cultivating hybrids and less quality grape varieties. Despite a relatively short history, these countries have swiftly established themselves as globally renowned producers of wines from well-known grape varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Carmenère, Tannat, among others. Let’s delve deeper into these globally significant players.
Uruguay
The smallest of these countries is Uruguay, neighboring Argentina, with the bulk of its vineyards located between Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento, peering across the natural border formed by the Rio de la Plata river directly at the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires. When one mentions Uruguayan wine, it’s predominantly about the blue grape variety Tannat. Although originating from France, specifically southwestern France, many consumers prefer Uruguayan Tannats due to their velvety and complex style compared to their French counterparts. Red wines from this grape variety boast a deep, opaque color and one of the highest levels of tannins. Tasting Tannat is an experience for enthusiasts of robust flavors as these wines are among the most tannic. Tannat is promoted as one of the healthiest grape varieties due to significantly higher antioxidant levels compared to other known blue varieties. What pairs well with Tannat? Fatty meat dishes like beef, sausages, confit duck, and more.
Argentina
Argentina, with an area nearly four times that of Chile, has vineyard surfaces comparable to a slightly larger area in Chile. The majority of these beautifully lush vineyards, very reminiscent of European ones, are located in the west at the foot of the Andes. Regions lying at the base of the Andes are exceedingly dry, almost desert-like. Such a climate considerably simplifies winemaking as vineyards practically encounter no rot or mold. It’s quite common to pass by a significant winery or vineyard without noticing amidst the rugged scenery of the Argentine countryside. Vineyards in the northern part of Argentina are situated at altitudes of 1,500 to 3,000 meters, making them among the highest vineyards globally. It’s this elevation that significantly influences the grape-growing potential. Regions like Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca in the north can produce wines that are fresh and capture the hearts of many European wine aficionados. Torrontés and Malbec take center stage in these regions, while Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Bonarda follow suit. Torrontés signifies aromatic to citrus-fresh white wines emerging from Argentina. Malbec in these regions produces some of the fullest expressions due to the higher levels of sunlight reflecting on thicker skins, resulting in richer wine profiles. However, 95% of the entire production comes from the Cuyo region, also among the most crucial wine-producing areas from a global perspective. And within Cuyo lies the most famous region, Mendoza, named after its capital. Yet, don’t expect Mendoza to exude the gleam of European metropolises. The city exudes a laid-back Spanish atmosphere, and its residents seem carefree. The city comes alive in the evenings with bustling activity, and it’s a challenge to get a table in renowned restaurants without a reservation. Cooking meat cuts on open fires is an unwritten standard here, a delightful prelude to the tasting, as the preparation often begins before the tasting itself, letting you anticipate what will be on the table.
Chile
Chile stands atop the pedestal of South American wine from a winemaking perspective. Several factors contribute to this, including the country’s geography, a wide range of climate zones, and low pressure from diseases and pests. Several French winemakers have voiced that if they had the chance to start their careers anew, they’d choose Chile. Organic and biodynamic wineries can easily meet the requirements for these types of farming as the vines require minimal intervention. The country, stretching over 6,000 kilometers, showcases vast diversity within its regions, from the Atacama desert in the north to glaciers near Tierra del Fuego in the south. Two key influences shape Chilean wines—the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountain range. Both leave a significant imprint on the overall environment, refreshed by ocean breezes and cooled by winds from the snow-capped Andean peaks. This results in a significant temperature difference between day and night, ensuring continuous grape ripening and maintaining freshness. On a conceptual journey from north to south, we first pass through the colder regions of Coquimbo and Aconcagua, ideal for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and red varieties like Pinot Noir and Syrah. These wines are often mistaken by consumers and professionals for New Zealand wines. A bit below the capital city, Santiago de Chile, lie renowned valleys like Maipo, Rapel, Curicó, and Maule. This area birthed iconic Cabernets, Bordeaux blends, and Carménère, which originally hails from Bordeaux. Famous wineries thrive here, with vineyards. Lastly, we have the southern valleys like Itata, Bío-Bío, and Malleco, where the cooler climate returns the focus to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. What’s the common denominator among Chilean wines? Their easy understanding and readability, even for wine novices, while offering iconic selections for well-versed wine enthusiasts. Chileans were the second, after California winemakers, to beat the French in the famous blind tasting (also known as the Paris Judgement 1976). Chilean wines triumphed over renowned Bordeaux wines at the Berlin blind tasting in 2004.
In Conclusion
South America presents an intriguing array of grape varieties, styles, and geographical influences. The growing trend of organic and biodynamic farming is notably easier to accomplish here due to the climates in which vineyards are planted, with low disease pressures. It’s a destination poised for many challenges and possibilities, and undoubtedly, we’ll hear much more about them in the future.
