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Amanda Barnes: My top 10 South American wines of 2023

From terroir-focused expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to coastal Albariño and Syrah, via high-altitude Malbecs that embrace a Burgundian ethos with Argentinian style, expert Amanda Barnes picks her favourite bottles of the year.

Looking back over my tasting highlights of 2023, what really stands out is the growing mastery of South America’s winemakers with the goldilocks varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Limarí and Gualtallary are – in my opinion at least – bonafide ‘grands crus’ for these varieties. However Aconcagua Costa and Malleco are increasingly prevalent too. Tabalí, Reta, Catena Zapata, Errázuriz and Vinos Baettig are notable disciples.


Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for Amanda Barnes’ top 10 South American wines of 2023


That being said, it was actually the rather more unusual locations that really caught my eye this year.


Amanda Barnes’ top 10 South American wines of 2023


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