Every year we hear about the imminent emergence of Chile and Argentina as
dominant forces in the global wine market. And every year there are a handful
of very enjoyable wines to go with many more uninspiring releases.
Personally I get wish there was less discussion of potential and more good
wines at reasonable prices.
If that's a harsh assessment so be it. But too many of the wines are made
from local grapes varieties that have little recognition or demand outside of
South America. Even when common varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet
Sauvignon are produced, the results are often bland or rustic wines that offer
little in the way of ageability or distinction.
Malbec is one exception. Little more than a blending addition in France and
elsewhere, this grape produces interesting, unique wines in Argentina. Still
rustic, these wines are earthy and nuanced.
One Chilean producer to watch is Concho y Toro. Certainly plenty of their
wines are low-priced and average, but they also produce high quality wines
as well. The Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots from the Marques de Casa
Concho brand are delicious, complex wines and a wonderful value at less
than $15.
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of the better Argentinean wineries. They have
nice variety of wines at different price points and the quality is consistently
good.
Back to Wine Regions.
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