4 Countries where South American sparkling wines shine

In South America, bubbles are bursting with grace. Winemakers are creating an array of styles through Charmat and traditional methods using Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other varieties.

Across the continent, but particularly in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil, grapes are sourced from high-altitude or coastal vineyards. Some are influenced by the cool climate of the Andes Mountains, while others are shaped by the fresh breezes off the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans.

In 1959, Moët et Chandon’s first winery outside France was established in Argentina. Since then, other Champagne houses and global winemakers have turned their eyes to South America, working alongside local experts to craft world-class, affordably priced sparklers on diverse soils.

While it isn’t always easy for South American operations to compete with the long histories of Old World wine regions, some of these producers have made sparkling wines for several years. The bigger challenge, producers say, is getting their well-crafted bubbles into global glasses.

Argentina

“We have identified exceptional terroirs, especially in the highest part of the Tupungato region, to produce extraordinary sparkling wines,” says Patrick D’Aulan, founder of Alta Vista winery in Mendoza, Argentina. Born in France, D’Aulan’s family previously owned Champagne house Piper-Heidsieck.

Known for its single-vineyard Malbecs, Alta Vista also produces sparkling wines using traditional and Charmat methods. D’Aulan believes the climatic conditions in the Uco Valley are ideal for bubbles.

“With stony poor soils on the slope of the Andes Mountain range, these unique terroirs enjoy hot and sunny days but cool nights due to high altitude,” he says.

The retail price for one of its bottles, Alta Vista Brut Nature, is about $13, showing the competitive prices of South American sparkling.

Other Argentine producers exporting sparkling wines to the United States include Alpamanta, which makes a pét-nat from Criolla grapes, and Bodega Tapiz, which produces extra brut sparkling wine from Torrontés.

In Mendoza and Patagonia, producers like Salentein and Bodegas del Fin del Mundo have introduced sparkling wines to diversify their portfolios. Bodega Cruzat, Reginato and Alma 4 are among those who produce only sparkling wine.

Read full article at Wine Enthusiast