South America Wine News: Top Picks from Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay
South America's Brightest Rising Stars
Kirk Walker, K&L South America Buyer
Today's newsletter plays hopscotch across the Andes as we explore some of the best insider's favorites from South America. First, we get familiar with two showstopping projects from either side of the mountain range in Chile's Laberinto and Argentina's El Enemigo. Next, we'll get a glimpse of what visionary Chilean winemakers are doing to take the historic Carménère grape into the modern era, and finally, we'll explore a quartet of sub-$20 value performers that can stand tall in any regular, go-to rotation.
Big Scores, Bargain Prices: Chile's Laberinto
El Enemigo: Argentina's Emerging Superstar
Chilean Carménère Enjoys a Renaissance
Discoveries from Wine Roads Less Traveled
Top-Scoring, World-Class Chilean Value Stunners
Laberinto's incredibly impressive wines have turned a lot of heads in recent years, among both critics and wine lovers. Nestled in a picturesque, forest-clad area in Colbùn in the Maule region, the vineyard, planted as a literal labyrinth, signifies the importance of enjoying the process, not just the growth. Founder Rafael Tirado took a gamble with this unique location as it had no viticulture history. Yet, the combination of volcanic and colluvial soils, varying exposures, and elevations proved ideal for multiple grape varieties. Due to their unique terroir, expert winemaking, and unbeatable pricing, Laberinto's fan-favorite wines rank among our best values, not only from Chile, but from anywhere in the world. Read more.
2023 Laberinto "Cenizas de Laberinto" Sauvignon Blanc Maule Valley 96 $19.99 View
2022 Laberinto "Cenizas de Laberinto" Pinot Noir Maule Valley 96 $21.99 View
2022 Laberinto "Arcillas" Pais Maule Valley 95 $21.99 View
The Next Great Superstar from Argentina
El Enemigo's wines rank among Argentina's finest, presenting an exquisite balance that reflects an effortless mastery, akin to a top-tier athlete making it look easy. Using well-known varieties like Malbec and Chardonnay, they deliver wines in near-perfect form, accentuating the unique terroir of Gualtallary. The higher elevation vineyards, closer to the Andes, imbue a distinct flavor profile into the wines. The Gran Enemigo line elevates this even further, resulting in 100-point wines made from primarily Cabernet Franc, which thrives in Mendoza's climate. They are potent, refined wines that showcase the exceptional skills of winemaker Alejandro Vigil. Read more.
2020 El Enemigo Malbec Mendoza 94 $21.99 View
2021 El Enemigo Chardonnay Mendoza 97 $21.99 View
2017 Bodegas Aleanna "Gran Enemigo" Cabernet Franc Agrelo 96 $74.99 View
Visionary Chilean Winemakers Take Carménère to a New Level
In the crowded wine industry, Chilean producers found their niche in an obscure Bordeaux variety called Carménère. This grape, often confused with Merlot, had been almost forgotten since its importation in the 1850s. Recognizing it in the 1990s, winemakers hoped to replicate its unique fruit profile, rustic edge, and spiciness, akin to Chile's version of Malbec. However, properly taming its complex characteristics took two decades. Currently, the Colchagua Valley's perfect soil and long growing season have helped Carménère thrive, turning Chile into a unique showcase for this expressive variety and establishing Carménère's niche in the global wine market. Read more.
2019 Viña Maquis "Lien" Red Blend Colchagua Valley 95 $34.99 View
2020 Ventisquero "Vértice" Carménère-Syrah Apalta Valley 95 $31.99 View
Value Gems from Off the Beaten Path
Some of the best exploring happens in the side streets, and the wine roads less traveled in South America are rich with opportunities for discovery. The 2022 Altos Las Hormigas Bonarda from Mendoza is a light, delicious summer option with bright cherry fruit and hints of earth, and the 2021 J. Bouchon "Canto Sur" Red Blend from Maule Valley offers complex flavors from its blend of Carménère, Carignan, and País. The 2022 Kaiken Torrontés from northern Argentina's Salta Valley presents an aromatic, crisp white, perfect for pairing with exotic foods. Lastly, the 2023 Marichal Albariño from Uruguay, known for Tannat, is a refreshing wine with fun minerality. Read more.
2022 Altos Las Hormigas "Colonia Las Liebres" Bonarda Mendoza 92 $12.99 View
2021 J. Bouchon "Canto Sur" Red Blend Maule Valley 95 $12.99 View
2022 Kaiken Torrontes Cafayate $15.99 View
2023 Marichal Albariño Canelones Uruguay 92 $17.99 View