For some time now, the wine world has been experiencing a trend that has enthusiasts seeking selections from outside the traditional wine regions. This trend has leant well for South America.

 

South America’s wine producing countries are making enormous strides and now rival such well-respected regions as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany and Napa. Specifically, Argentina and Chile are two of the continent’s stand outs.

 

Many labels from these countries can be found in UC restaurants and wine shops, but allow me to give you a guided tour of a pair of selections I particularly favor.

 

Your journey begins in Mendoza, Argentina’s preeminent wine region. Mendoza is an expert producer of the Malbec grape. Although this type of blending grape is used to make world class wines in Bordeaux, Mendoza’s Malbec varietal has a special acclaim: it thrives despite the area’s high altitude. The 3,500 feet above sea level – among the Andes Mountains – is inhospitable for most grapes, but not the thick-skinned Malbec.

 

Terrazas de los Andes, founded in 1959 by Moet & Chandon, is world renowned for this varietal. Their Terrazas Reserva Malbec’s nose offers initial, subtle notes of violets and black cherries that give way to a pleasant wave of plums, chocolate, caramel and a hint of vanilla oak. For the palate, the wine is open knit yet sinewy, with fine powdery tannins and a plush velvety texture. It is very full and highly concentrated, yet vibrant in the mouth with intriguing complexity and length.

 

As you continue your journey, I suggest you head east to Chile’s Colchagua Valley, where the relatively new, yet magnificent Casa Lapostolle winery is located.

 

The winery’s principle and CEO is an amazing woman by the name of Alexandra Mariner Lapostolle – the great granddaughter of France’s Alexander Mariner Lapostolle (founder of Grand Marnier liqueur).

 

Alexandra’s facilities are state-of-the-art and practice the French wine-making know-how and philosophies that have been imbedded into her family’s history. Furthermore, the winery allows the land to dictate how and which grapes it will produce. The French word for this is “terroir.”

 

I suggest a glass of one of their reserve tier selections, such as the Cuvee Alexander Cabernet. It is bright and bold, with forceful berry aromas in front of dark, saturated fruit flavors. This Cabernet is medium to full in weight with a sturdy tannic structure. It shows a big spice, pepper and chocolate element on the finish.

 

I truly hope you’ve enjoyed your short trip to the rural, wine-producing regions of South America and that (upon your return) you’ll enjoy these and other fine selections offered in restaurants throughout our friendly Urban Corridor.

 

Until then, I love to hear you wine,

About the Author:

Lee Fuettere is the sommelier/beverage director for downtown Tampa’s Malio’s Prime (400 N. Ashley Dr.) and a certified member of the Court of Master Sommeliers. He is recognized as an expert in his field, having presided over numerous award-winning wine lists during his 10 years of serving the Tampa Bay area. To contact Lee, call (813) 223-7746 or visit www.MaliosPrime.com.