South American Wine Beyond Malbec: What’s Next for Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay

An insider’s look at the varieties, regions, and styles redefining the South American wine scene.

I’m excited to share my first blog post in a while. This pause allowed me to refine my message, which is to provide unique insights for both wine lovers and industry pros about South American wine.

While Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon deserve attention—and will get it in future posts—I want to start by spotlighting lesser-known varieties like Criolla/País and the region’s diverse white and red wines. South America’s wine culture is vast and rich, so let’s dive in.

What’s Pouring Now: Argentina’s Current Wine Scene

White and Criolla wines are experiencing a significant revival in Argentina. In the late 1960s and 1970s, these grapes gained popularity as table wines, but their appeal diminished over time as consumption decreased and French varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec became more dominant. However, winemakers are increasingly focusing on enhancing the quality of previously overlooked varieties. This commitment to better viticultural and vinification techniques has raised the standard for these wines.

While working in Mendoza around 2013, I witnessed the evolution of Argentine wines firsthand. I noticed white wines, especially those from Uco Valley, gaining freshness and showing mineral characteristics. Today, white wines, particularly Chardonnay, offer far greater complexity beyond simple energy and chalkiness.

These elegant, layered wines offer diverse experiences. Some are defined by vibrant acidity, mountain herbs, and balanced, citrus notes. Others immediately command attention from the nose, presenting aromas of white flowers, spices, and perfectly ripe fruit, with a powerful but refined presence.

Today’s Chardonnay from Argentina dispels the myth that the region is too hot for white grapes and other cool-climate varieties.

Sémillon is also thriving in high altitude regions. There are currently a limited number of Sémillon vineyards, and only a handful of producers make Sémillon as a single-varietal wine. However, the remarkable examples from top wineries highlight the grape’s potential and could lead to increased interest.

Criolla Chica, also known as País in Chile and Mission in the US, makes excellent wines that embody identity and offer exceptional drinkability. This variety, along with Moscatel de Alexandria and others, was introduced by the Spaniards in the 17th century. The crossing of these imported vines led to the creation of native varieties called Criollas, which possess unique genetic diversity.

Producers are now using these historic grapes to make easy going wines as well as others with more complexity.

And if you haven’t tried them yet, Criolla wines are finally showing up more in the US, and they’re definitely worth checking out.

Cabernet Franc is thriving, particularly in the Uco Valley and Agrelo in Luján de Cuyo. What’s notable is the shift in style— favoring finesse over force. I will explore this transformation in more detail in future posts. Subscribe to my newsletter or follow Andes Uncorked on Instagram to stay updated.

The Chilean Wines You Should Know About

Chile’s wine-producing regions are uniquely positioned between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The Coastal Mountain Range adds another layer of topographical complexity, resulting in an abundance of distinct valleys. This diverse terroir is inviting producers to explore, particularly in wild regions like the Atacama Desert or the chilly southern parts of the country, leading to many interesting developments in Chilean winemaking.

Similar to Argentina, there is a trend towards preserving Criolla, known locally as País.

País is mainly cultivated in the Maule and Itata Valleys, where small growers tend to old vines, some over 200 years old, helping to protect the nation’s viticultural heritage. This grape thrives in the region’s granitic and volcanic soils, and Mediterranean climate.

País is a versatile grape, producing unoaked reds with pronounced flavor, notes of tart red fruit, and an earthy undertone. It also excels as a light-bodied, fruit-forward red.

Another wine worth paying attention to is Chardonnay. The Limarí Valley, with its chalky soils and cool Pacific breezes, is producing serious Chardonnays that range from those with focused acidity and texture to others with floral aromas and an elegant palate.

Chardonnay is also excelling in Chile’s cool-climate southern regions. Premium, small-production wines are emerging from Malleco, Osorno, and the extreme Chile Chico, located at 46.3° South latitude.

Carménère is undergoing a transformation into a brighter, less heavy wine. The intrusive vegetal notes of the past are now rare in well-crafted bottlings, where fruit expression, pleasant herbal notes, and balanced acidity take center stage.

Lastly, I love Syrah and I’ve found wonderful samples from the coastal regions with a savory character, featuring meaty, saline notes. In more continental areas like Apalta, the wines have great structure and ripe flavors while retaining their freshness. High-altitude vineyards in the Elqui Valley provide wines with tension and complexity. If you’re a Syrah fan, you definitely need to check out what Chile has to offer!

Uruguayan Wines Worth Discovering Right Now

Last year, I immersed myself in Uruguay’s vibrant winemaking culture. This small country, whose main regions are shaped by the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean, focuses on expressing identity and quality rather than volume, producing exceptional wines. From elegant Tannat to vibrant Albariño, Uruguay is definitely a region to watch.

A new generation of winemakers is honing their techniques and paying closer attention to the soils and climates of their regions, achieving great results in places like Canelones and Maldonado.

Tannat wines are displaying refinement and depth. Rather than being full-bodied and tannic, these wines are now focused and fresh.

Albariño is an exciting newcomer among South American whites, particularly thriving in Uruguay’s coastal regions. First planted in 2001, this grape has rapidly gained popularity. The cooling Atlantic breezes enhance its refreshing style, while some Albariño wines show weight and complexity of flavors.

Uruguayan producers are experimenting with various red and white varieties beyond Tannat, but availability is extremely limited. If you’re lucky enough to find a well-stocked shop or visit Uruguay, don’t miss their Cabernet Franc.

There’s so much happening in South America’s wine scene right now! In this post, I’ve highlighted some of the main wine producing countries and the wines you can easily find in the US. I’ll be exploring these trends and styles further in upcoming posts. Join me on this journey and subscribe to my newsletter for more insights on South American wines!