Don't Fear the Grape

In this episode Patrick and I discuss the best value producing wine region in the world, South America.

Chile and Argentina have really only made an impact on the foreign market in the past decade or so. Wine prices are generally low and a great value.

Chile

Chile’s climate varies from the heat of the arid, rocky, mountainous desert to the north and the icy, Antarctic expanse in the south. Midway between the two are the warm, fertile valleys that are home to this nation’s vineyards.

Wine Varietals of Note:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay, as well as Carmenère.

Regions of Note:
Aconcagua: Large plantings of white varieties, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Includes the subregion Casablanca
Maipo: Chile’s oldest wine region. Red varieties are favored, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chimbarongo: Rresponsible for some interesting Pinot Noir.

Argentina

Until recently, the vast majority of the wine produced by Argentina was for the home market. Faced with a drop in consumption, Argentina turned it attention to the international market; pulling up nearly a third of the vineyards and planting better and more international vine varieties.

Wine Varietals of Note:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Tempranillo
But Argentina is know for its, Malbec.
Torrontés, a white variety, not unlike those made from Muscat.

Region of Note:
Mendoza: Accounts for roughly three-quarters of all the vine plantings, Mendoza is situated in the west of the country.

What you need to know:

• Great value priced wines
• Argentina = Malbec
• Good Years:
  • Casablanca: 2007, 2006, 2005
  • Colchagua: 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003
  • Maipo: 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003
  • Mendoza: 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002

Our other podcasts:

Animation Station: www.animationstation.info
Crash! Bang! Pow!: www.crashbangpow.com

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