The vast, variable expanses of this continent’s geography are a big factor in what you might find in your glass on holiday here – Malbec and Merlot for instance grow really well in some regions of Argentina, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon do best in Chile, Tannat is a specialty of Uruguay, and Chardonnay and Moscato Branco do really well in the south of Brazil.
So where, then, are the best regions to head to for finding a quality Latin drop?
Argentina’s northern provinces, including Salta, Catamarca, Jujuy, and Tucumán shelter valleys with superb views. This region has some of the highest vineyards in Argentina, with some over 3000 meters above sea level. You’ll find Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Tannat as common grape varieties in this region.
The southern Cuyo region includes three main provinces: Mendoza, La Rioja, and San Juan. This area makes up the foothills of the Andes Mountains and is the country’s largest wine-producing region, as well as being one of the most integral wine regions in South America. The famous Mendoza province is particularly spectacular, overlooked by the magnificent Mount Aconcagua.
Chile’s unique geography sprawls from the Andes to the ocean, which together with a sunny climate and little rain, is perfect for a number of different kinds of grapes.
The Central Valley region is home to the Colchagua, Maipo, and Maule valleys. Colchagua is warm and dry, favouring varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, and Syrah. You can visit one of the most famous wineries in Chile by stopping at the Concha y Toro Winery in Maipo Valley’s Pirque province.
Pinot Noir lays claim to the healthiest grape in the world due to the harsh desert fluctuations of day and night conditions it experiences, meaning it contains a considerable amount of antioxidants to pass on to the drinker as a result. This grape develops better in the southern valleys of the Atacama. Be sure to visit here then – on doctor’s orders!
Another important highlight is the efforts to make wine-making more sustainable. Chile already boasts that more than 75% of wine production uses sustainable ‘viticulture’ practices.
Not to be overlooked by their neighbours to the south, several Brazilian wines have been recognised by international wine awards bodies. The country has found particular success in its sparkling wines produced in the northeast San Francisco Valley region of Bahia. Some of the southern states, including Rio Grande Do Sul, also produce excellent wines.
Compared to the above nations Uruguay is a tiny country, but that doesn’t mean there’s no great wine to enjoy here. It, too, has many different terrains, ranging from rocky coastal hills to the lush green areas of the humid Pampa grasslands. Tannat excels in the biggest wine region of Canelones, an area encompassing 60% of the country’s wine production.
If you feel ready to begin creating your perfect Latin America holiday, simply complete the enquiry form to get in touch, or call our Travel Specialists on 0208 546 6222.
Leave a Reply