6 scintillating South American wines

The stretch of South America is impressive to say the least, with its beautiful landscapes, monumental mountain peaks, sunshine and brilliant blue skies.

Moreover, Argentina and Chile are home to some of the world’s best vineyards, with their vibrant food and wine scene… and in September’s shoulder season, wanderlust drives adventurous wine lovers to tour this mighty continent – while developing a taste for delicious wine.

And with its standout styles, and classic grape varieties situating these neighbouring countries firmly on the wine map, armchair travellers can look forward to a good-time glass within hand’s reach.

Here’s a snapshot of some favourite styles…

1. Don Cayetano Chardonnay 2024, Valle Central, Chile, £10.99, Laithwaites

Crafted by the Luis Felipe Edwards family, one of the biggest names and most awarded producers in Chile, this lively chardonnay is fresh and balanced with a peachy palate, hints of citrus blossom, pineapple and melon, with good acidity and vibrant finish.

2. Errazuriz Gran Reserva Carménère 2023, Aconcagua, Chile, £11.50, Tesco

If you’re keen on Carménère – Chile’s signature grape – this is a gem from one of the country’s giants, and leading wine estate. Enticing aromas of juicy, spiced plums, green pepper, ripe figs and black pepper draw you in, and a joyous journey from beginning to end. Look forward to bold, brambly flavours kicking in, savoury undertones, hints of herbs and a long, silky finish.

3. Veramonte Organic Merlot 2019, Casablanca Valley, Chile, £13, Ocado

When it comes to seeking out a good merlot, Chile is paradise found for soft, juicy, deliciously flavoursome dark berry reds. This fragrant expression from a go-to producer, stands out for its intense aromas of blackberries and cassis; layered lush fruit with hints of spice, balanced oaky notes and lingering finish.

4. Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 2023, Mendoza, Argentina, £16.50, Tesco

Awarded ‘World’s Best Vineyard’ three times, Zuccardi wines are a passport to pleasure. The Q series signals depth and concentration, and this chard’s fragrant with tropical notes and bright citrus; there’s a creamy note to the lemony-led fruit, with hints of yellow apples and beautiful citrusy freshness on the lingering finish.

5. Wild Elevation Malbec 2024, Mendoza, Argentina, £16.99, Virgin Wines

One of Argentina’s greatest exports, malbec thrives at high altitudes, where perfect growing conditions bring out the best in these crowd-pleasing reds. Aromatic with an attractive floral nose and hints of cloves, this wine combines freshness with delicious concentration of ripe, black fruits, kiss of warm, sweet spice and smooth tannins.

6. Achaval Ferrer Quimerino Tinto 2023, Mendoza, Argentina, £24.95, Jeroboams

An elegant garnet red which harmoniously combines pinot noir, malbec, syrah and sauvignon blanc – yes, a splash of savvy blanc lending freshness – this deftly blended wine from a world-class producer offers vivid flavours, with structure, power and poise. Beyond its beguiling bouquet of red and black fruits, everything glides along beautifully with fresh, raspberry acidity lingering on the finish.