In May, I attended an American Wine Society tasting for the Princeton Chapter. The theme was wines from Argentina and Chile. 

The first course was shrimp ceviche. Four white wines were paired with this course: 2020 Alta Vista Estate Torrontes, 2024 Carmen Reserva Frida Kahlo Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 Altaland Chardonnay, and 2022 Montes Alpha Chardonnay. Due to the citrus-y nature of the ceviche, the Torrontes and the Sauvignon Blanc were the best wine pairings. The Chardonnays, while decent, were not acidic enough to stand up to the ceviche.

The 2020 Alta Vista Torrontes is from Argentina. Torrontes is a white grape variety grown almost exclusively in Argentina. The best Torrontes come from Salta in the Mendoza region, as this one does. Torrontes is a highly aromatic grape, with good acidity yet rounded mouthfeel. It pairs naturally with seafood. This bottle had aromas of white flowers and honeysuckle on the nose, and flavors of orange and lemon on the palate. This is probably the last year this wine should be held until, as it’s already 5 years old, and it’s produced to be consumed young. 14.5% ABV; available for $19 at Bottle Republic. 

The 2024 Vina Carmen Reserva Frida Kahlo Sauvignon Blanc paired the best with the shrimp ceviche, in my opinion. Vina Carmen is considered the oldest winery in Chile, founded in the Central Valley in 1850 by Christian Lanz. Lemon, honeysuckle, white flowers, and some grassy notes on the nose continued on the palate, and reminded me more of a Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc than a New Zealand one. 12.5% ABV; a steal for only $15 at Total Wine and More.

The second course was grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce, roasted potatoes, and green beans. Four red wines were paired with this course: 2023 Vina Carmen Gran Reserva Carménère, 2019 Alta Vista Alizarine Malbec, 2019 Mascota Vineyards Unamine, and 2022 Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon. The Unanime and the Cabernet Sauvignon were the best pairings with the steak.

The Mascota Vineyards Unanime Gran Viño Tinto is from the Uco Valley in Argentina. Comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, and 15% Cabernet Franc, all sustainably-farmed. Aromas of licorice, blueberry, black currant, and dried herbs combine with silky tannins and a lengthy finish. A great value for $25.99 at Total Wine and More.

Lapostolle Winery is in the Apalto region of the Colchagua Valley of Chile, located about two hours south of Santiago, between the Coastal Cordillera mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. Their grapes are 100% hand-harvested, and the vines average 60 years old. The 2022 Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon contains grapes from the El Condor vineyard, which is protected on three sides by hills, and on the fourth, by the Tinguiririca River. The Cuvée Alexandre contains 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carménère, and 2% Petit Verdot aged in French oak barrels (17% new, 83% second-fourth use) for 14 months before bottling. Aromas of fresh cherries and black currants continue on the palate, with a longer, complex finish. This was my favorite wine of the tasting, and a steal at $23.99 from Total Wine and More. 14.5% ABV.

I have to admit I don’t drink a lot of South American wines, but I was impressed with the quality and values of these wines.  ¡Salud!