by Shannon
Porter, Personal Wine Consultant with The Traveling Vineyard
There’s
a sizzling new wine contender on the horizon… or should we say
“caliente!”
If you haven’t tried any South American wines yet, especially
those from Chile and Argentina, you’re in for a treat. Once known
for producing oceans of cheap jug wines, these newcomers are recreating
themselves as quality winemakers with unlimited potential.
With relatively
low labor and land costs, Chile has produced large quantities of wine
for centuries, but because the quality varied, figures show that in
1990 only 10% was exported. However, by 2001 Chile was exporting over
60% of its wine and is now the fifth-largest wine exporter in the world
– pulling ahead of even Germany and Spain in exports to the U.S.
How did
Chile become a huge wine exporter in only 11 years? A focus on quality.
Producers began planting more internationally known grapes, lowering
yields to concentrate flavors and harvesting at the peak of ripeness.
They also invested in the latest winemaking technology and many of the
vineyards grow the grapes on pergolas six feet off the ground to ensure
the grapes are not cooked by the heat radiated off the stony soil.
Argentina
has had similar exporting success, although their journey has been a
bit harder. The country underwent an economic crisis in the 1990’s
with inflation soaring over 1,000 percent. Many new wineries and those
investing in new equipment were on the brink of collapse. However, for
those that were able to weather the crisis, the outlook is bright. Foreign
investors, including many U.S. winemakers, are taking advantage of the
attractive land prices and buying or establishing vineyards and wineries.
Since
the late 19th century, virtually ever major wine region in the world
has been devastated by the vine-destroying aphid phylloxera. Every region
but Chile and Argentina – due to their geographic isolation. And
because pesticides are largely unnecessary, these countries have become
leaders in organic wines.
Argentinean
Wines
Red wines account for 60% of total production in Argentina, with the
signature red grape being Malbec. Malbec is a native grape from Bordeaux,
France; but it is relatively unknown in France today. The primary characteristics
of Malbec are plum and anise. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced and
Syrah is gaining popularity. All of these reds complement Argentina’s
love for cooking with beef.
The signature
white grape is Torrontes, which produces a flowery, aromatic wine found
almost nowhere else in the world. Both dry and sweet wine lovers tend
to like the taste of Torrontes, which is a wonderful compliment to seafood
dishes.
Chilean
Wines
Chile also loves red wines, with three-quarters of the wine produced
being red. Chile’s crown jewel red is Cabernet Sauvignon, but
Carmenere is the signature red grape of Chile. Also a native grape of
Bordeaux, France, early plantings were often mixed with Merlot, which
it resembles.
White
wine offerings tend to lean towards Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc –
great accompaniments to ceviche! Chilean wines are naturally high in
flavonoids and antioxidants, which help to prevent heart disease.
Zinfully
yours, Shannon
Shannon
Porter is an Independent Wine Consultant with The Traveling Vineyard
and has conducted over 200 wine tastings. Started in 2002 as a division
of Geerlings and Wade - the largest direct to consumer wine distributor
in the U.S. - The Traveling Vineyard is based on a simple premise: the
best way to buy wine is to taste it first. Modeled after tasting rooms
found at fine wineries the world over, The Traveling Vineyard allows
you to sample and learn about wine in the comfort of your own home.
To learn more about booking a free in-home wine tasting event or for
information on how to become an independent wine consultant; visit:
www.freewinetasting.net.
