Best South American wines: Great value picks for summer
From crisp whites and sparkling wines, to fruity rosés and juicy, spicy reds for barbecues, South America produces a range of wine styles that are perfect for summer sipping. Julie Sheppard rounds up 30 good value bottles from recent tastings.
South America’s wine regions span a diverse range of terroirs and climates. From fresh high-altitude vineyards and cool coastal sites to the warmer valleys. So it’s no surprise that this selection of wines from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay is a varied snapshot of grapes and wine styles.
For anyone looking to find great wines to drink this summer, the choices are exciting. Even better in the current economic climate, you’ll find that South American bottles regularly over-deliver for the price. This selection of 30 sparkling wines, whites, rosés and reds from recent tastings are all priced below £20.
There are the classic South American styles that you’d expect, including fruity Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Chile’s signature red: Carmenère. From Argentina, Torrontes is making quality whites and Argentinian Malbec continues to impress.
But alongside the usual suspects, there are some more unexpected bottles, including Albariño from Uruguay and the increasingly popular País – Chile’s ‘forgotten’ grape, which is now producing quality single-varietal wines.
What’s more, the range of grape varieties that can now be found in South America reflects a growing dynamism in the region’s wine scene. Yes, you’d expect Malbec and Merlot, but what about Garnacha and Cabernet Franc? Or Gewürztraminer and Semillon?
From food-friendly Chardonnays to quaffable Malbec rosés and light Pinot Noir reds, this list will give you plenty of seasonal drinking inspiration – whatever the occasion. Find great bottles for summer parties and barbecues, lazy alfresco lunches or sundowners.
Best South American wines: Great value picks for summer
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Casa Valduga, Arte Tradicional Brut, Vale dos Vinhedos, Serra Gaúcha, Brazil, 2019
90
This good value, traditional method fizz is made by one of Brazil's quality sparkling producers. A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir with one year of lees ageing. Fresh, inviting aromas of green apple and citrus, with hints of fresh pastry. Harmonious palate, with crisp acidity and brisk bubbles; bright citrus balanced by creaminess with a refreshing finish.
2019
Casa ValdugaVale dos Vinhedos
Miguel Torres Chile, Estelado Sparkling Rosé Brut NV, Maule Valley, Chile
If you are looking for a fairly traded sparkling wine in the world, there aren't very many. Estelado is a rarity that ticks all the...
Miguel Torres Chile
Bodega Colomé, Estate Torrontés, Calchaquí Valley, Salta, Argentina, 2021
92
Made by Thibaut Delmotte with grapes from high altitude valleys in Salta – at an average height of around 2,400m above sea level – this wine reaffirms the potential of Torrontés to produce world class aromatic whites. Pale yellow in hue, the enticing aromas include fresh grape, orange blossom, citrus, tropical fruit and hints of spice. On the palate it’s broad with firm, refreshing acidity, making it an excellent accompaniment to spicy food.
2021
Bodega ColoméCalchaquí Valley
Susana Balbo, Signature Barrel-fermented Torrontes, Uco Valley, Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina, 2021
92
Susana Balbo is known as the 'Queen of Torrontés' and her consistently good barrel-fermented wine shows why. Made with grapes grown at 1,150m in Altamira, it is both fermented and aged in French oak for four months. Bright, fruity, citrus aromas: lime, grapefruit, peach, plus a whisper of florality and chalky mineral notes. The vibrant palate is well-structured, driven by crisp citrus with a mineral core balanced by a creaminess to the texture, with pretty notes of peach and apricot running beneath. Finishes crisp and fresh with lingering stone fruit and tropical notes.
2021
Susana BalboUco Valley
Terrazas de los Andes, Chardonnay Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020
92
From high-altitude vineyards planted at 1,250m in the Uco Valley, this is a classy cool climate style with lemon and grapefruit citrus, underpinned by linear acidity. There's some weight, from partial oak ageing, which makes it a great choice for food. Crisp, clean, mineral.
2020
Terrazas de los Andes
Cono Sur, Bicicleta Reserva Gewurztraminer, Chile, 2021
91
The Cono Sur Bicicleta range is a great-value, entry-level option delivering good typicity if not great complexity. This Gewurztraminer has 8g/L residual sugar and would be a great pairing for many spicy dishes. Bottled under screwcap for maximum expression, this displays freshness and great purity of fruit, with all the exotic lychee and spice perfume that you'd expect to find. Really, very good value.
2021
Cono Sur
Leyda, Single Vineyard Garuma Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Valley, San Antonio, Chile, 2021
91
Located 12km from the coast, Leyda's El Maitén vineyard benefits from cool Pacific breezes and provides the grapes for Garuma, which is named after a small Chilean gull. The cool climate contributes lovely freshness to this crisp Sauvignon, which has plenty of varietal typicity. Zingy grapefruit, lime and gooseberry aromas. Racy acidity with mouthwatering gooseberry and citrus fruit, plus a creaminess to the texture from time on lees. Lingering, crisp citrus finish.
2021
LeydaLeyda Valley
Mendel, Semillon, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020
91
Grapes from a 70-year-old vineyard in Paraje Altamira, planted at 1,100m, and precise winemaking – 85% of the must is fermented in stainless steel and the rest is kept in new French oak for six months – give a wine with depth of flavour and aromatic complexity. Fragrant nose of lime, lemon, peach and green apple. The palate is crisp, fresh and focused: ripe lemon and grapefruit citrus, with a touch of flintiness.
2020
MendelUco Valley
Miguel Torres Chile, Cordillera Sauvignon Blanc, Osorno Valley, Austral, Chile, 2021
91
From coastal vineyards planted on volcanic soils in the Osorno Valley in cool Patagonia. Lots of varietal typicity, with vibrant gooseberry, lemon and lime aromatics. Well balanced palate, with bright gooseberry and lime fruit wrapped around a mineral core. Super freshness: linear acidity leads to a juicy mouthwatering finish. Certified organic.
2021
Miguel Torres ChileOsorno Valley
Garzon, Albariño, Garzón, Maldonado, Uruguay, 2020
90
A reliably good Albariño from Uruguay's Atlantic coast. Zesty citrus nose of grapfruit, lime and lemons with floral hints. Fresh with a chalky minerality that balances a touch of creamines on the palate' Limey citrus that persists on the crisp finish with focused acidity throughout. Great with grilled fish and seafood.
2020
GarzonGarzón
Indomita, Chardonnay, Bío Bío Valley, Chile, 2020
Some 30% of the wine has been fermented in oak, lending a ripe creaminess to the pineapple and mango characters. Maturation in oak and lees...
2020
Indomita
Rutini, Trumpeter Reserve Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020
90
Lemony citrus and fresh pineapple on the nose, with hints of vanilla. A cool climate style: fresh and bright with crisp acidity. Lots of fresh-cut lemon citrus. Judicious use of oak (six months in 90% used French barrels) adds creaminess and body to the texture.
2020
Rutini
Bodega Volcanes de Chile, Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Valley, San Antonio, Chile, 2021
91
Punchy and expressive, roasted green pepper, pink grapefruit, fresh pea pod, an attractive combination of overt citrus fruit, fennel and fine herbs. Mouthwatering, structured and serious.
2021
Bodega Volcanes de ChileLeyda Valley
Mud House, Chile Sauvignon Blanc, Central Valley, Chile, 2021
89
New Zealand producer Mud House has spread its vinous roots to Chile's Central Valley, to make this fruity Sauvignon, packed with varietal typicity. Punchy passionfruit and guava aromas with grassy and nettle notes, followed by a bright, crisp palate with lots of ripe lime citrus and grapefruit pith notes on the dry finish. Good value.
2021
Mud House
Domaine Bousquet, Organic Rosé, Mendoza, Argentina, 2022
89
This pretty pale pink organic rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Viognier. Fresh and crisp palate of red berries, lime and citrus zest, with zingy acidity. A great summer sipper.
2022
Domaine Bousquet
Tesco, Finest Malbec Rosé, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020
89
Leading Argentinian producer Catena produces this rosé Malbec, which has a small amount of Torrontes in the blend, adding juicy stone fruit flavours and aromatics. It's a pretty salmon-pink colour, fairly restrained on the nose, with fresh, red berry fruit. Dry, fruit-driven and very drinkable.
2020
Tesco
Doña Paula, Estate Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, 2021
Vivacious and perfumed nose showing pure crushed dark fruits, blackberries, brambles, violets and hints of spices. Refined tannins, with a vibrant freshness and a great...
2021
Doña PaulaUco Valley
Trivento, Golden Reserve Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020
90
Bright blue fruit, ripe black cherry, spice, leather with a subtle medicinal edge. Attractive crunchy fruit, full of energy but still firm.
2020
TriventoLuján de Cuyo
Catena, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2018
92
A blend of fruit from three high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza, this has an appealing nose of black cherry and blackberry edged in white pepper and violet. Smooth, juicy, silky palate of black cherry and summer pudding berries, with fine tannins, a fresh kick of acidity and plenty of spice. Cracking quality for the price.
2018
Catena
Cold Shower Wines, Mission Impaissible, Colchagua Valley, Chile, 2019
92
Made from País vines aged 120 to 150 years, this is a seriously enjoyable red with a very fun label to boot. Dusky, spicy black and red berry aromas with a nice whiff of blackcurrant fruit pastille and a hint of violet. The juicy palate is layered with black cherries, cassis, raspberries, spice and a savoury tang too, plus enough tannic grip to pair nicely with food (great with sausages). Fresh acidity on the finish with a spicy red fruit crunch. Great!
2019
Cold Shower Wines
Koyle, Cerro Basalto Cuartel H1 Garnatxa, Colchagua Valley, Chile, 2019
92
The second vintage of this Chilean Garnacha, produced from a biodynamic vineyard planted with Mediterranean varieties. Appealing red and black cherry aromas, with hints of white pepper and fresh herbs. Lifted crunchy red fruit, fresh and vibrant – lots of energy! – silky tannins and a lingering crunch of spicy red fruit and red apple.
2019
Koyle
Tesco, Finest Chilean Merlot, Colchagua Valley, Chile, 2019
92
A new listing for Tesco, this gorgeous Chilean Merlot offers incredible value for money. Made by Luis Felipe Edwards in the Colchagua Valley, the fruit is sourced mainly from vineyards on granitic soils in the coastal region, with cooler conditions ideally suited to quality Merlot. Fragrant and fleshy, this has some vanilla spice, with a richness of plummy fruit and a hint of sun dried tomato. A standout wine at this price, this will have widespread appeal.
2019
Tesco
Errazuriz, Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir, Aconcagua Costa, Aconcagua Valley, Chile, 2020
91
Sourced from a cool coastal vineyard, just 12km from the Pacific Ocean, this enjoyable Pinot Noir is fermented with native yeasts and spends 11 months in a combination of new and used French oak. Bright cherry and raspberry aromas are edged in spice with a hint of undergrowth. Spicy raspberry fruit on the medium palate, with top notes of fresh plum and sour cherry. Lovely vibrancy here, with good freshness and acidity, finishing with spicy redcurrants.
2020
Errazuriz
Bodega Trapiche, Perfiles Calcáreo Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2018
90
As the name suggests, this Malbec is grown in calcareous soils in vineyards over 1,100m. Black fruit nose, edged in florals and sweet cedar. Smooth, pure black fruit palate, with well-integrated tannins. Nicely judged oak; well balanced with high altitude freshness and minerality. Full-bodied: pair it with beefy dishes and steak.
2018
Bodega Trapiche
Bodegones del Sur, Vineyard Select Cabernet Franc, Canelones, Uruguay, 2020
90
Bright cherry and raspberry aromas with a sprinkle of spice. The palate is juicy and smooth with cherries and red berries, grippy tannins and a fresh crunch. Finishing spicy with a savoury hint of leather. A lighter style red for summer months.
2020
Bodegones del Sur
Co-op, Irresistible Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 2021
90
The Pinot Noir from Casablanca provides excellent value at £8 per bottle. Fragrant nose of mint, thyme and raspberry on the nose. Good concentration of sour cherry and wild red berries on the palate, seasoned with dark spices and dried rose petals. The perfumed red berries and dried cranberry notes follow to the finish. Aged for 6 months in oak. The 14% alcohol is barely detectable thanks to good acidity.
2021
Co-op
Familia Blanca, Mairena Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, 2018
89
From a family of Luján de Cuyo growers who have been making their own wines since 2005, this is a fruity Malbec, with savoury and spice notes that are good for pairing with steak and beefy dishes. Rich blackberry and damson fruit, liquorice, a meaty note and rounded tannins, with a long, spicy black berry finish.
2018
Familia BlancaLuján de Cuyo
Paraiso Sur, Syrah, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 2017
89
A juicy, forward organic Syrah that's like drinking blackcurrant fruit pastilles! White a bit one-dimensional now, underneath the ripe, floral cassis there's hints of complexity to come with bottle age – spice and more savoury notes – but if you like smooth, silky and youthful fruit-driven reds this is very appealing. Available online only.
2017
Paraiso Sur
Bodega Pablo Fallabrino, Catarsis, Canelones, Uruguay, 2018
89
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera and Tannat. Distinctive dusty, red earth notes on the nose and palate, alongside brambly black and red fruit. Savoury tannic grip on the palate, which also has a smoky spicy edge. A good bottle to pair with barbeuced steaks.
2018
Bodega Pablo Fallabrino
Undurraga, Candelabro Carmenère, Rapel Valley, Chile, 2020
89
No great complexity here, and fairly commercial in style, but a well balanced and deeply coloured example of Chilean Carmenère, with fresh dark plummy fruit, a twist of black pepper and a velvety, smooth texture. Neither green nor jammy, this has good varietal typicity and would make a great everyday drinking option for the colder months ahead.
2020
Undurraga
