Chile’s Central Valley is widely known and well regarded, and its Casablanca region is gaining increasing attention. Brazil, Uruguay and Peru are also producing fine and exciting wine from grape varieties long forgotten in other countries.

Argentina
Argentina has eight principal wine regions, but Mendoza dominates, producing over 70% of Argentina’s wines. The climate is continental, with large temperature swings between day and night, and four full seasons offering hot summers and cold winters. Elevation is also a key factor influencing wine quality. White varieties of importance are Chardonnay and Torrontés, while key red varieties include Cabernet and Malbec.

Chile
The Central Valley is home to Chile’s best-known wines and produces 90% of its exports, but the Casablanca region is gaining increasing attention. Among the sub-regions of the Central Valley you’ll find Maule, Maipo, Rapel and Curicó, all of which produce a range of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as well as Cabernet, Merlot and Carménère. Casablanca is a cool district that is producing Chardonnay and a promising Pinot Noir. The Carménère grape makes a medium-bodied, soft, round wine with low acids.