Red wine is a staple of South American culture, and Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay are renowned for their exceptional production of high-quality red wines. Each country has its own unique style, producing wines that are distinctly different from each other.
Argentina
Argentina is one of the largest wine producers in the world, and it is primarily known for its Malbecs. Malbecs from Argentina are characterized by their dark, rich fruit flavors and full-bodied texture. The wine is typically aged in oak barrels, which gives it a subtle vanilla and spice aroma. The region of Mendoza is particularly famous for its Malbecs, which are grown at high altitudes and in a dry climate.
Argentina also produces other red varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. These wines are characterized by their bold, fruity flavors and high tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina is typically full-bodied with flavors of black currant, blackberry, and black cherry. Syrah, on the other hand, has a slightly peppery taste with hints of blackberry and blueberry.
Food Pairings for Argentine Red Wines
There are many different types of food that pair well with Argentine red wines. The flavors of the wine will complement the flavor profile of whatever you’re eating, so you can be sure to find something delicious for every meal. Here are some examples:
Grilled steak – If you’re having a barbecue and want to serve up some delicious grilled meat, try serving your guests an Argentine Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines have notes of coffee and chocolate that will complement the meat perfectly!
Pasta dishes – Pasta is a classic Italian dish that’s popular all over the world–and it goes well with just about any type of red wine! Try pairing an Argentinian Pinot Noir or Syrah with your favorite pasta dish tonight!
Serving Temperature for Argentine Red Wines
The ideal temperature for serving Argentine red wines is between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. The reason for this is that at these temperatures, you’ll be able to taste the wine’s full flavor profile.
The higher the alcohol content of a wine, the more it benefits from being served at lower temperatures. This is because alcohol acts as a solvent–it helps draw out flavors from other ingredients in your glass. So if you’re drinking something with high alcohol content like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon (both of which are typically served at room temperature), then it’s best not to chill them too much because they’ll lose their flavor if they’re too cold!
Chile
Chile is known for its diverse wine regions, which produce a variety of red wines. The most famous red varietal from Chile is the Carmenere, which is unique to the country. It has a deep, dark color and is characterized by its spicy, smoky flavor with notes of black pepper, dark chocolate, and dark fruits like plum and blackberry.
- The regions where Chilean red wines are produced include:
- The Central Valley (which includes the cities of Santiago and Valparaiso)
- The Maipo Valley (home to Casablanca Vineyards)
- The Colchagua Valley (where you’ll find Concha y Toro Winery)
Chile also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile is full-bodied and has flavors of black currant and black cherry. Merlot is softer and fruitier than Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of plum and cherry. Chilean Syrah is full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and chocolate.
Food Pairings for Chilean Red Wines
Chilean red wines are known for their bold, deep flavors. They’re great with bolder meats like steak and lamb, but also make an excellent accompaniment to spicy dishes like chili con carne or Thai curries.
Chilean reds have a strong tannic structure that can stand up to the boldest flavors in your meal, so don’t be afraid of pairing them with gamey meats like venison or duck!
Serving Temperature for Chilean Red Wines
The ideal temperature for serving Chilean red wines is between 18 and 20 degrees Celcius. The effect of temperature on the taste of a wine is very important, so you’ll want to keep this in mind when deciding how best to serve your Chilean reds.
Chilean winemakers tend to favor cooler climates and lower altitudes than their Argentine counterparts–which means that their wines tend to be lighter in body and flavor as well as less tannic (meaning they have less of an astringent taste).
Uruguay
Uruguay is a small country located between Argentina and Brazil, but it produces some excellent red wines. The most famous red varietal from Uruguay is Tannat, which is known for its bold, tannic flavor. Tannat from Uruguay is softer and more approachable than its counterpart from France, with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and plum. The wine is typically aged in oak barrels, which gives it a subtle vanilla aroma.
The regions where Uruguayan red wines are produced include:
- Meridional (South)
- Central-West
- Norte de la costa (North coast)
Uruguay also produces other red varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Tempranillo. Cabernet Sauvignon from Uruguay is full-bodied and has flavors of black currant and blackberry. Merlot is softer and fruitier than Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of plum and cherry. Tempranillo has a lighter body and is characterized by its fruity, earthy flavor.
Food Pairings for Uruguayan Red Wines
Pair Uruguayan red wines with grilled meats. The bold flavors of Uruguayan reds pair well with grilled meats, especially those that are marinated in wine or vinegar. Try pairing a Malbec from Argentina or Chile with your favorite steak or burger!
Drink Uruguayan reds while you’re eating spicy food. If you love spicy food, try drinking a fruity Syrah from Uruguay while eating your favorite spicy dish! The fruitiness of this type of wine will help to balance out the heat of any spicy dish you choose to pair it with.
Serving Temperature for Uruguayan Red Wines
The ideal temperature for serving Uruguayan red wines is between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. The lower the temperature, the more subtle and elegant the wine will taste; however, if you prefer a bolder flavor with more body to it, then you can serve it at room temperature (20-22 degrees Celsius).
Shop Uruguayan wineWhat’s your style?
Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay produce some excellent red wines, each with its own unique style. Argentina is known for its Malbecs, Chile for its Carmenere, and Uruguay for its Tannat. However, all three countries produce other red varietals that are worth exploring. If you are a red wine lover, then these South American countries should be on your wine-tasting bucket list.
