{"api":{"host":"https:\/\/pinot.decanter.com","authorization":"Bearer ZmM1YmQ0MmU4NzE5NDk1YzRjYTk4YjAwNmE1NGMyYjcwMDhhNjY4Y2U2NzkyNzQ3Y2I0NzUzZGJiMDJiYTU0Yw","version":"2.0"},"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"6qv8OniKQO","rid":"RJXC8OC","offerId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","offerTemplateId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","wcTemplateId":"OTOW5EUWVZ4B"}}

PREMIUM

Expert’s Choice: South America’s premium red blends

Varietally labelled wines have been at the forefront for decades, but South American producers put great efforts into their blends as wines of high quality and standing.

The stellar reputation of South America’s premium red wines has been built on the region’s iconic varietal wines: Argentinian Malbec, Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère, and Uruguayan Tannat.

Yet these wines are a relatively recent phenomenon, only really gathering pace in the 1980s when South American wineries – their sights set on export – joined the wave of varietally labelled wines emerging from the New World.

Prior to this shift in focus, South American winemakers had been more interested in producing European-style blends – and Bordeaux blends in particular. This was a reflection of the early French and other European influences on the local wine industry.


Scroll down to see notes and scores for 18 premium South American red blends



Notes and scores for 18 top South American red blends


Related articles

Chile’s new wave white wines

Great Cabernets of South America

South America’s new flying winemakers plus 12 wines to try

Latest Wine News