The Auswine Forum

Hi all,

I have a work trip to Santiago next month and intend to sample the local vino as widely as possible (which, given the mountains of work I have to do over there will undoubtably not be as widely as I would like). Does anyone have any recommendations for South American wines, so that I can narrow my focus a little. I would be especially interested in hearing of good examples of varieties and wine styles that are typical of the continent eg, particularly good malbec or carménère. My experience of South American wines to date is limited to the odd bottle of Casa del Diablo I have had here in Aus and the 1.5l bottles of Gallo Merlot that sustained me as an impoverished grad student in the States 10 years ago.

cheers,
Tom

We went about four years ago and paid for a guide & driver, I think about $100 USD. Quite pricey but the first stop was Almaviva and we had to go through two armed gates and quite a bit of negotiation, would never have managed it alone. Next was Conca Y Toro, which was well set for tourists and we could try Almaviva & Don Melchor as well as the usual range. I'd try and find these wines if you can. Finally another winery for lunch, could have been Santa Margarita ?

Many thanks Duncan

Duncan wrote:Next was Conca Y Toro, which was well set for tourists and we could try Almaviva & Don Melchor as well as the usual range. I'd try and find these wines if you can.

I'm no expert on Chilean vino by any stretch, but I've had Concha-y-Toro's Don Melchor 2005, and it was highly splendiferous. Heartily recommend it. As for others, 'I no nothing', but I'm dead jealous of your trip.