Spotlight on South America
From exhilarating, wallet-friendly picks for weeknight dinner pairings to meticulous innovations from lesser-known regions, South American wines represent an exciting range worth looking into now.
Casas del Bosque “Reserva” Sauvignon Blanc – 2021 $13.99
Splitting the difference between the crisp minerality of the Loire and the fruit of New Zealand, this a delightful Sauvignon Blanc that is easy to love. Val de Casablanca is turning into the place to look for inexpensive, cool-climate wines. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Passionate Wines “Tinto Del Mono” – 2021 $13.99
Malbec muscle supports Syrah spice in perfect synergy in this delicious and incredibly cost-effective red blend. It’s a daily sipper equally adept at pizza night or post-work couch decompression. Gorgeous red fruit from the first pour evolves into happy tannins, and a luxurious finish. Despite the primate on the label, this wine does not monkey around, and at this price, I’m stocking up. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
D.V. Catena, Tinto Histórico – 2019 $19.96
This blend is made to honor the legacy of Don Domingo Catena, whose talents as a “Master of the Assemblage” captivated the clientele of the finest restaurants in Buenos Aires during the beginnings of the 20th century. Through the combination of high-elevation Uco Valley Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Bonarda, this smooth, full-bodied blend is brought back to life for us to enjoy anywhere! Blackberries, plums, violets, and spices come together to create a memorable drinking experience. – Alex Malecki, Astor Wines & Spirits Sales Consultant
Tannat Artesana – 2020 $23.96
A full-bodied red from Uruguay that’s bursting with flavors of cassis, blackberry, and licorice with a long finish. This wine is made with the estate’s best grape selections and it’s evident in the glass. Uruguay vineyards enjoy the influence of the Atlantic ocean, a climate often compared to Bordeaux. The wines produced here are well balanced with alcohol and acidity supporting each other. Perfect with pasta dishes. – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Carmelo Patti, Malbec – 2018 $35.96
Carmelo Patti allows the terroir and grapes to speak for themselves and only releases his cuvées when he deems them ready; usually four to five years after harvest. This Malbec speaks with dark berry bramble, leather, and cocoa with fine tannins and a velveteen texture. – Jose Banegas, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Bodega Murga, Joyas de Murga Italia-Mollar Rosé, Valle de Pisco – 2020 $36.96
The hippest South American winemaker in Astor is from Peru. Bodega Murga farms without chemicals and vinifies naturally. They started with Pisco then came up with the idea of using Pisco grapes to make wine. The red Mollar makes this technically a rosé, but the skin contact of the white Italia grape makes it more orange in spirit, with generous floral and peachy aromas, an amber-copper hue, cloudy complexion, and subtle tannins. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant