Red wine has a rich and storied history in South America, where favourable climatic conditions and diverse terroirs have contributed to the growth and development of the wine industry. Among the countries in the region, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil have emerged as key players in the production of red wines, with each country possessing unique characteristics that result in amazing wines. Argentina is renowned for its production of high-quality red wines, particularly Malbec, with its history of winemaking tracing back to the 16th century when the Spanish colonisers arrived. It was however in the 19th century that the country’s wine industry began to flourish, having adapted to the grape varieties that were introduced by the Italian and French immigrants, along with the new winemaking techniques.

The Mendoza region, situated in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, is Argentina’s primary wine-producing area, offering high-altitude terroirs coupled with a sunny and dry climate. These ideal conditions for grape cultivation helped establish the French-born red variety, Malbec, as the flagship grape. Chile’s winemaking tradition also began during the same period with its production originating from several regions, including Maipo Valley, Colchagua Valley, and Casablanca Valley. The diverse climate in Chile ranges from the hot and dry north to the cool and damp south, allowing for the cultivation of a wide range of red grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted red grape in the country; however, the country’s signature grape variety is the Carménère.

Uruguay may be a smaller player in the South American wine scene, but its red wines have gained recognition for their quality and distinctiveness. Winemaking in Uruguay began in the early 19th century when European immigrants, mainly from Spain and Italy, introduced vine cultivation and winemaking practices. Tannat, a red grape variety originally from France, is Uruguay’s flagship grape and the country’s most widely planted red variety. The unique climate and soils of Uruguay, particularly in the regions of Canelones and Salto, contribute to the development of Tannat wines with a deep colour, robust structure, and firm tannins.

Brazil’s wine industry has experienced significant growth and development in recent decades, with the country’s wine production concentrated in the southern regions. These areas, including Serra Gaucha, Campanha, and Serra do Sudeste are the main regions for Brazilian vintners whose history dates back to the arrival of the Portuguese centuries ago. The Brazilian climate varies across wine producing areas where the temperatures are cooler in the south and warmer in the north-east. The country primarily focuses on the production of sparkling wines, but it also produces Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tannat, that are characteristically vibrant and fruity with soft tannins.

On the heels of the newly released wine ratings from Descorchados and ahead of the South American winter season which begins June 21, Thursday Food introduces four of the region’s best red wines:

Familia Deicas Extreme Vineyard Suelo Invertido Tannat is made from 100 per cent Tannat grapes in the Canelones area of Uruguay by Bodega Familia Deicas. On the nose, the wine exhibits two distinctive aromas: grapefruit and mango which are highly unusual to encounter in red wines. In the mouth, this Syrah, which has a marked acidity that gives it energy and a long finish, also reflects a high concentration that contradicts with its soft tannins. The wine scored 94 points from Descorchados in 2023 and was named among the Best Reds and Tannats of 2021.

Cousiño Macul Lota 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a 98-point, 100 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon wine made by Bodega Cousiño Macul in the Maipo Valley area of Chile. It is deep garnet in colour with brick rims, having aromatic notes of liquor on the nose, giving way to pepper, cedar and an aroma reminiscent of raspberry jam. On the palate, it is a wine with low acidity, a soft and sweet entry and silky tannins. Selected as Chile’s Best Red Wine of 2023 by Descorchados, the wine also has stand out notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, black fruits and a herbal touch of cedar.

Artesã Mar De Morros Syrah 2020 is a 100 per cent Syrah made by Artesã Wines in the Serra da Mantiqueira highlands area of south-east Brazil that spans the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. The wine expresses captivating aromas of plum, cherry, blueberry and menthol that caress the nose. On the palate it is young, full-bodied with a long freshness and soft tannins. This wine received a 92-point score from Descorchados and earned a silver medal at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

Familia Zuccardi ‘Finca Canal Uco’ Paraje Altamira Malbec 2020, named Red Wine of the Year by Descorchados with a score of 98 points, is a 100 per cent Malbec made by Bodega Familia Zuccardi. The vineyards from which the grapes were harvested for this Malbec lie 1,080 metres above sea level at Finca Canal Uco in the Altamira region of the Uco Valley, Mendoza. The wine has an intense red colour with violet hues, expressing aromas of pure red fruit, such as plum, cherry and strawberry, complemented by herbal notes. On the palate it presents great structure and volume, with firm tannins, balanced acidity culminating in a long and elegant finish.

The origin, growth, and development of red wine in South America has largely been shaped by a combination of historical factors, favourable climatic conditions, and the influence of immigrant winemakers. Whether it’s Argentina’s robust Malbecs, Chile’s elegant Cabernet Sauvignons, Uruguay’s powerful Tannats, or Brazil’s vibrant reds, these South American countries continue to make their mark in the global wine industry.