If you want maximum flavour for your money, South America is the place to look. Argentina and Chile both make generous, fruity, reliable wines at prices that put many European regions to shame, and their top bottles can stand alongside the best in the world. Here’s what you need to know.
Argentina: the home of Malbec
Malbec started life in south-west France, but it found its true home in Argentina. In the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, near the Andes, it makes rich, smooth, velvety reds packed with plum, blackberry and violet.
Altitude is the secret. Vineyards often sit 900 metres or more above sea level, where strong sunshine ripens the grapes fully while cold nights keep them fresh.
The Argentinian Malbecs we’d buy
For great everyday value, Our Selection Mendoza Malbec and Terra Argenta Mendoza Malbec are hard to beat. Terrazas de los Andes Malbec and Luigi Bosca Malbec step up in depth and polish, while Catena Malbec, from one of Argentina’s most respected families, is a superb example.
Argentina’s whites
Torrontés is Argentina’s signature white grape: highly aromatic, with notes of rose, peach and citrus, but usually dry. Manos Negras Torrontés is a lovely introduction. Argentina also makes excellent Chardonnay at altitude; try Terrazas de los Andes Chardonnay. From cooler Patagonia, Humberto Canale Old Vine Semillon is a real discovery.
Chile: long, thin and full of variety
Chile stretches over 4,000 km from north to south, with the Andes on one side and the cold Pacific on the other. That gives it an amazing range of climates, from warm valleys perfect for Cabernet to cool coastal areas ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
Chilean reds
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe and blackcurranty, often with a hint of mint. Errázuriz Estate Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is a reliable classic, and by Amazon Chilean Cabernet is great value.
Carmenère is Chile’s own speciality. Once thought to be Merlot, it was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s. It’s smooth, with dark fruit and a hint of green pepper and spice. El Emperador Cabernet Carmenère is a tasty blend.
Chile’s cool coastal regions also make lovely Pinot Noir. Veramonte Pinot Noir and Errázuriz Wild Ferment Pinot Noir are both great value.
Chilean whites
Chilean Sauvignon Blanc is zesty and fresh, with a little less intensity than New Zealand’s. Mud House Chile Sauvignon Blanc, Luis Felipe Edwards Sauvignon Blanc and Terra Organica Sauvignon Blanc are all crisp, fruity and great value.
What to eat with South American wine
- Malbec: steak, burgers, chimichurri and barbecue.
- Chilean Cabernet: roast beef, lamb and cottage pie.
- Carmenère: chilli, fajitas and spicy sausages.
- Torrontés: spicy Asian food and empanadas.
FAQs
Which is better, Argentina or Chile?
Both are excellent. Argentina is best known for Malbec; Chile offers more variety, from Cabernet to Sauvignon Blanc.
Why is South American wine so affordable?
Lower land and labour costs, plus reliable sunshine, mean producers can make consistent, high-quality wine at lower prices.
Read our guide to the best wine with steak for more Malbec matches.