Chile vs Argentina - Latin America's great wines on offer

Vino.com brings you some of the best wines from Latin America, and in particular from Chile and Argentina. Both countries are important wine producers, especially red wines. It was Spanish colonisers who brought European vines here in the 1500s. By contrast, phylloxera, which destroyed most European vineyards in the 1800s, did not affect Chilean and Argentinian vineyards, thanks to the predominantly sandy soils and the altitude of the vineyards. Wine production is also regulated here by appellations that determine quality levels and production rules, similar to European wines.

Wine production in Chile is mainly based on international grape varieties. Among the most common red grapes are Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, among the white ones Chardonnay and Sauvignon. The Maipo Valley, not far from Santiago, is the most famous and oldest wine growing area in Chile, flanked by the Valle Central, Valle del Rapel and Valle de Colchagua.

In Argentina, Malbec is the most widespread red grape, followed by Barbera, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Among the white grapes, Torrontés stands out, followed by Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. In Argentina, vineyards are cultivated at altitudes of up to 1,500 m, often in the foothills of the Andes. Among the most famous wine-growing areas are Medoza, Valle de Uco and Patagonia for red wines, Salta and Luján de Cuyo for white wines.

Grab these Chilean and Argentinian wines on sale! Try, taste and discover your favourite Latin wines!