ROTARY WINE ENTHUSIAST MONTHLY ARTICLE

A TOUR TO THE WONDERS OF THE SOUTH AMERICA WINE PRODUCTION.

by Michelli Denardi T

How is it talking about South America wines as a matter of curiosity since we have our Annual Wine Event coming next month on September 30?  We wonder about the wines from different regions around the world, knowing Europe and North America are great wine producers, “but wait, there is more” (as our past President Dan says). Chile and Argentina have been among the top producers of wine, occupying the 5^th and 9^th place in production of wine worldwide. These countries started commercial wine production around 200 years ago, as well as Uruguay, followed by Brazil lately (past 50 years).  The red and white grapes used in the production of the South America wines came from Europe, mostly from France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

Chile is a South America country that became the reference in wine production as it holds the 5^th place in the large production of wine around the world.  The vineyards focus mostly on the production of red wine and an interesting fact about it is that the Carménère grape from Bordeaux  was the first grape brought to Chile, and it was mistakenly classified as a Merlot, and now it is considered as part of the wine culture of the region even some think this grape would be from Chile since it adapted better on this region than where it came from. The Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon,Syrah, and Merlot are cultivated and produce the best wines from Colchagua Valley and Maipo Valley, considering the best Carménère is produced in the Cachapoal Valley. It is important to consider there are good white wine grapes produced in Chile in the Limarí and Choapa Valleys, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The minerals in the soil and climate influence the flavors, having a deep red color and full-bodied, smooth taste for red wines and fresh mineral flavors for white wine.

Argentina is well known for the production of Malbec and most of the wineries are located at the base of the Andes Mountains considering the climate, soil, and water from the melted snow of the mountains. The production takes place in the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and La Rioja, and then Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca, La Pampa and Rio Negro. The main grape varieties cultivated are Malbec, Bonarda, Torrontés, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir.It is worth considering the flavor profile difference between the Carménère and Malbec. Carménère has a smoky, rich, red and black fruit with a concentrated note of fig. On the other hand, Malbec brings a pronounced oak that is more red/purple flowers than fruit taste.

Uruguay has been increasing its presence among the international wine producers, recognized by its coastal climate reminiscent of Bordeaux. It is responsible for the production of 10 million cases of wine per year which brings it to the 4^th place as a wine producer in South America and the main grapes are the Tannat, a full-bodied red wine in first place, and Moscatel de Hamburgo known as Black Muscat on second place, a red skinned grape that makes an Aromatic Rosé and Sweet Wine with vibrant floral and fruity notes. Based on the climate and soil influences, the Metropolitan Region is well known as an ideal area for white varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, but also especially for Tannat and San José is recognized to produce the Tannat, considering the star of Uruguay because of its robust tannins, deep color, and rich flavors of dark fruits and spices and healthy properties since the high levels of antioxidants like polyphenols and resveratrol, which some studies suggest may help reduce the risk of heart disease increase its fame. Among other regions, the Northern region, which includes the Uruguay River and the departments of Artigas, Paysandú and Salto, is the home of Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah due to the richness in calcareous.

Brazil is new to the wine industry because it was shaped by the Italian immigrants in the 19th century when they settled in southern Brazil, particularly in Rio Grande do Sul, based on their knowledge of wine production with the grapes they brought from Italy and then, to adapt to the climate, they shifted to grapes such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir on the map for wine production. The red wines par beautifully with “churrasco” (Brazilian BBQ style) and white wines go well with seafood and tropical salads. The Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs versions of a 130^th anniversary of the Casa Valduga is a sparkling wine made from Chardonnay grapes from special vintages, using the traditional method, aged on lees for 36 months and won the Catad´or | Chile | 2024 | Silver what is an example of the excellence about the wine production in Brazil. The production of the sparkling wine is traditional and a small-batch production focus in contrast with the large-scale production of the Miolo Vineyard, even though it has some small batches as well for an upscale taste. I have visited both, and they amazed me with the professionalism and quality of the production, besides their different commercial approach.

The South America wine industry is diverse and rich in options of great grapes and styles of production. From the climate and soil minerals of the base of the Andes, winds from the Pacific, rivers of the Uruguay through the South of Brazil elevated landscape it is possible to experience tasteful red and white wines from grapes that sometimes fit better than in their original lands. The incredible taste of the food paired with these wines can take us to South America without a need for a passport. It is a unique and rewarding experience. CHEERS!

References:
https://uruguay.wine/en/regions/
https://www.coravin.com/blogs/community/brazilian-wine
https://www.winesofchile.org/wine-regions-map/
https://www.casavalduga.com.br/en/
https:// www.vineyards.com/
https://winefolly.com/