Unmissable South American Values

The quality of South American wines has never been higher. With significant investment in vineyard management, cutting-edge winemaking technology, and a strong commitment to sustainable practices that highlight each site's unique terroir, today’s wines from the region are truly exceptional. The most collectible bottles are better than ever, and even at the value end of the market, there are incredible finds that shouldn’t be missed.

Below are a few of my favorites—perfect for holiday celebrations or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home.

Whites

Torrontes, one of the most aromatic wine varieties, is planted almost exclusively in Argentina. Related to Muscat, it is incredibly perfumed, with notes of rosewater and lychee but with a crisp, linear mouthfeel. Riesling also thrives in the high-altitude vineyards of both Argentina and Chile, where the more delicate stone fruit and lemon blossom notes are emphasized. Sauvignon Blanc, when made in a cool coastal style like the Green Quartz from Casablanca in Chile, are similar to those of New Zealand, with fresh green notes, while those from more marginal climates like the Wapisa from Patagonia are more structural and lean on the palate with more subdued aromatics. And there are also more esoteric wines being made as well. Lastly, two of my favorite purchases of the year are the Manos Andinas Semillon, made from old vine Semillon in the Maule Valley, and the Aniello Blanco de Pinot Noir, a wine of the absolute palest shade of pink possible, made from very gently pressed Pinot Noir bunches.

For the red wines, while South America might be most well-known for Bordeaux styled red blends, the cooler climates and higher elevations can also favor more delicate styles of red wine. Not to be missed are two varieties mostly seen only in South America – the pale Pais, with fresh berry notes backed up by a subtle black pepper spiciness, and Bonarda, elsewhere known as Charbono, which is such a food-friendly, easy-to-drink style of red wine. Other favorites are the Canto Sur, which is mostly Carignan and has a beautiful, finessed feel to the palate, and the GY Malbec, which is blended with Cabernet Franc to show the more high-toned, floral side of the variety. And, of course, it goes without saying that South America has mastered the Bordeaux varieties, either on their own or blended, at every price point! The 100% Carmenere Calcu, loaded with green herbaceous notes, and the Siete Fincas Malbec, so classic and darkly fruited, both showcase how great two obscure Bordeaux varieties can be on their own, while the Manos del Sur Cabernet is instantly likeable, showcasing the juicy and approachable side of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Altocedro is one the best-priced Bordeaux blends I’ve tasted this year, with incredible structure and concentration, while the Gillmore Aglianico, much like the Vermentino above, shows off how well Italian varieties can shine outside their native home.

2024 Dos Minas Torrontés Cafayate $12.99

2022 Kaiken Torrontes Cafayate $15.99

2024 Amalaya Torrontes-Riesling Salta $9.99 95DC

2023 Laberinto "Arcillas de Laberinto" Riesling Maule Valley $19.99 97TA

2023 Trasiego "Green Quartz" Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca $12.99 92VN

2023 Wapisa Sauvignon Blanc Rio Negro Patagonia $16.99 91JS 91VN

2023 Trasiego "Manos Andinas" Gran Reserva Semillon Valle de Maule $14.99

2024 Gillmore Vermentino Maule Valley $17.99 94JS

2024 Aniello Blanco de Pinot Noir Rio Negro Patagonia $19.99 94JS