What are the key grape varieties in South America? Here’s an A to Z guide to South American grape varieties and wines. It is a work in progress, but by mid-2019 you should have the quintessential guide to Argentine wine varieties, Chilean wine varieties, Uruguayan wine varieties, Bolivian wine varieties, Peruvian wine varieties and Brazilian wine varieties! Phew! Now, let’s get started on that wine alphabet.
A
Albariño
This Galician grape variety is showing great promise in Uruguay, where it is mainly planted in the coastal region of Maldonado. This Atlantic, maritime climate and the granite soils aren’t dissimilar to its native home in northern Spain, and the thick-skinned white grape variety thrives here with an estimated 55 hectares planted (40 of which belong to Garzón winery). The wines are bright, aromatic and have fresh acidity. There are also some smaller plantations of Albariño in Argentina (along the coast too).
Albilla
Albilla is a white grape variety commonly grown in Peru and used for Pisco production. It is genetically considered the same as Palomino, although there are likely many mutations in Peru. Albilla was originally described as one of the ‘aromatic’ varieties for Pisco, but in reality it isn’t an aromatic variety at all and is better known for its mouthfeel than aroma. It is high yielding, has good acidity and is tolerant to Peru’s saline soils.
Arinarnoa
A modern cross of Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon, Arinarnoa is on the rise in Uruguay and Brazil in particular, with additional plantations in Argentina. It produces deeply coloured red wines with intense aromatics and a strong tannin structure.
B
Bastardo
The local name in Argentina for Trousseau. Mainly found in Río Negro, there are 33 hectares planted in the country according to national records and a handful of producers are trying rescue this old variety from obscurity. New releases of Bastardo/Trousseau from Río Negro show red and forest fruit aromas with juicy mid-palate, fresh finish and earthy undertones.
Béquignol
Originally from Southwest France, this variety has virtually disappeared with the exception of Argentina. At one stage there were thousands of hectares planted but the variety has been in sharp decline in recent years. Today there are 600 hectares of Béquignol in Argentina.
Bonarda
One of Argentina’s most planted grapes, there are over 18,000 hectares of Bonarda planted in Argentina (also known as Douce Noir in France). Although Bonarda plantations are on the decline (at one stage it was the most-planted red variety in Argentina!) you’ll still find many warm, fruit-driving Bonarda wines especially from wine regions in Mendoza and San Juan. Fleshy fruit, moderate alcohol and a soft mouthfeel tend to characterise Bonarda. In cooler regions, and higher altitudes, you can find Bonarda with more tannin structure but in general it is a soft, fruit-driven and easy-drinking wine.
- Read our ultimate guide to Bonarda
Bordeaux Blends
Not a grape variety, but an important category in South American wine. The ‘Bordeaux Blends’ tend to use Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Carmenère, Merlot and Petit Verdot in varying quantities to make rich, structured and age-worthy wines. Tannat, although it isn’t a variety permitted in Bordeaux as per the others, is also commonly used in a ‘Bordeaux Blend’ in Uruguay and occassionally in Argentina and Bolivia.
C
Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the major red grape varieties of South America, grown in every wine-producing country. Cabernet Sauvignon was first brought to the continent in the 1800s and has become widespread since. Chile has the most Cabernet Sauvignon planted in South America with over 42,400 hectares, making it the most widely-grown grape variety in the country, accounting for 30% of national production. Top regions for Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon are Maipo, Cachapoal and Colchagua, although the variety is grown in most wine regions.
In Argentina, there are 15,000 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon planted making it the fourth most-planted variety in Argentina (accounting for 8% of the national total). Top regions for Cabernet Sauvignon include Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, the Uco Valley, the Calchaquí Valley and Neuquén.
Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 6% of vineyard plantings in Uruguay (some 428 hectares) and it is also one of the major red grape varieties for wine production in Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc has played second-fiddle to Cabernet Sauvignon for a long time, but in recent years winemakers in Argentina and Chile, in particular, are giving emphasis to making top quality Cabernet Franc wines. There are over 1,000 hectares of Cabernet Franc planted in Argentina and top terroirs for Cabernet Franc include the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo. In Chile, there are 1,580 hectares of Cabernet Franc planted and it performs well across the Central Valley – including old vines in Maule. Cabernet Franc is planted, to a smaller extent, in all the other wine countries of South America. In Uruguay, winemakers are particularly excited about the potential of Cabernet Franc (with plantings currently at 250 hectares).
Carmenère
Also known as Grande Vidure in Bordeaux where the grape originally comes from (although some studies suggest it came from ancient Rome!), Carmenère is a historic European variety which was considered almost extinct following phylloxera. It was rediscovered in Chile having been mistakenly labelled as Merlot. Chile is now home to over 95% of the world’s Carmenère with over 10,500 hectares planted. A small amount of Carmenère is planted in Argentina (<60 hectares) and some vines are planted elsewhere in South America in small, experimental plots. Outside of South America, Carmenère is found in France, the US, Australia and most notably in Italy.
Read our guide to Carmenère and about its rediscovery.
Cereza
The Cereza grape is a Criolla grape native to Argentina. Pink in colour with large berries, Cereza is a nice grape to eat, make juice and is very production which is why it remains the second-most planted variety in Argentina (with 27,970 hectares). It is also made into cheap bulk or jug wines, on which you’ll rarely see the variety on the label. There’s a handful of producers making good, bottled wines with Cereza – usually in a very juicy, fruity and fresh style (somewhere rosé and red).
César Noir
Ancient variety from Burgundy. Old vines still exist in Chile. (See Romano.)
Chardonnay
One of the top white varieties in the world and notably found in the modern winemaking regions of South America.
Chardonnay in Chile
There are over 11,400 hectares of Chardonnay in Chile. It is used for a wide range of wines from generic table wines through to Chile’s most expensive white wines. Top regions for Chardonnay in Chile are Limarí, Casablanca, San Antonio, Aconcagua and Patagonia. However you will find Chardonnay in all of Chile’s wine regions.
Chardonnay in Argentina
There are over 6,200 hectares of Chardonnay in Argentina and it is grown in all of the major wine regions – from Salta in the north down to Patagonia in the south, including the coastal and Andean wine regions in between. Some of the best Chardonnay in Argentina can be found in the high altitude wine regions of the Uco Valley, including Gualtallary, San Pablo and Altamira.
Chardonnay in Uruguay
As a coastal wine region, Chardonnay does well in Uruguay, although it only has 115 hectares planted.
Chardonnay in Brazil
Chardonnay in Brazil is mainly used for sparkling wines but it is also considered one of the most premium white wines. There are approximately 650 hectares planted and the best Chardonnay in Brazil comes from the wine regions of Pinto Bandeira, Vale dos Vinhedos and Encruzilhada do Sul.
Cot
A different variety to Malbec, although originally thought to be the same. Cot is much more productive than Malbec and can produce almost twice the yield if you don’t control it through pruning or green harvest. It is generally lower in alcohol than Malbec and has a stronger tannin structure.
- Read more about a comparison between Malbec and Cot.
Criolla
Criolla refers to a large network of varieties which were originally brought by the Spanish in the 1500s. Criolla may also refer to the specific varieties – Criolla Grande and/or Criolla Chica.
Criolla Chica
Red Criolla variety as it is known in Argentina. See País.
Criolla Grande
The fifth most planted variety in Argentina, there are 14,842 hectares of Criolla Grande in Argentina. Like Cereza, this is a very productive pink variety that is used for juice and table wine. In part of the Criolla comeback, winemakers are using Criolla Grande to make fresh, fruity and juicy wines which are usually light in colour and body.
Criolla No 1
This is a recent discovery of a Criolla variety, born in Argentina, with parentage from Malbec and Criolla Grande. There aren’t many plantations of Criolla No 1 but it is being studied by INTA in Mendoza. Their vinification of the variety has resulted in a wine with deep colour, fine tannins and a medium body.
D
E
F
Frutilla
Uruguayan name for Isabella grape variety. See Isabella.
G
Gewürztraminer
A minor variety in South America, the largest plantings of Gewürztraminer in South America are in Chile, where you’ll find over 370 hectares, mainly in the coastal regions and in Maule.
Gibi
A rare white grape variety originally from Spain (also called Hebén) and the Mediterranean. Planted historically in Argentina and waning in population, although still found notably in Eastern Mendoza (where over 400 hectares remain).
Glera
Often misnamed Prosecco, the Glera grape is used for making sparkling wine in Brazil – notably in Vale dos Vinhedos – and Argentina. Brazil has over 70 hectares planted, and Argentina has 11 hectares.
H
I
Isabella
American (Vitis labrusca) grape variety which is widely planted in Brazil (where it is called Isabel) and Peru (where it is called Borgoña), and was widely planted in Uruguay (where it is called Frutilla). This Vitis labrusca variety has overt aromas of strawberry bubblegum and also some foxy aromas. It can make a simple, fruit-driven wine, and high sugar content often means it is off-dry or sweet, and it is commonly used for making juice in Brazil. It is hardy to poor weather and a reliable grape for growing in more humid and warm conditions.
Italia
This white grape is a Pisco grape variety commonly grown in Peru and Chile, and is thought to be the same as Moscatel de Alejandria. Italia is one of the aromatic Pisco varieties.
J
K
L
Listán Prieto
Red Criolla variety known by this name in the Canary Islands of Spain. See Pais.
M
Marselan
Mission
Red Criolla variety known by this name in the USA. See País.
Mollar Cano
A Peruvian grape variety that is commonly used for Pisco production. Often planted in field blends with the other Pisco grapes. Mollar (also known as Negramoll, or Negra Moll) is said to bring sweetness and ripe fruit character to Pisco, and was brought from Spain originally.
Moscatel de Alejandria/Muscat of Alexandria
Moscatel de Alejandria is the Spanish for Muscat of Alexandria, considered one of the most ancient varieties still in existence today. It is widely spread in the Old and New World and was famed in the early days of winemaking (it is rumoured Cleopatra drank Muscat of Alexandria!)
In South America, Moscatel de Alejandria was one of the earliest vines to be planted and spread throughout the main wine-producing countries. It is widely planted in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. Used for aguardientes (distilled spirits) and wine. There are some very interesting old vine Moscatel wines being made in southern Chile, Argentina and in Peru. Most romantic of all, are the Muscat in Bolivia which grow around the Molle (pink peppercorn) trees, giving the wine a very distinctive flavour.
Moscatel de Alejandria is also the mother of many of the Criolla grape varieties (Criolla Grande, Cereza, Torrontes, Pedro Gimenez etc). She was such a prolific grape variety because people would typically eat the Moscatel de Alejandria grapes and throw the seeds, causing widespread vine growth.
Other Moscatel grapes
There are hundreds of varieties of Muscat in the world and South America has plenty of diversity of Muscat varieties – some of which were born on the continent. For winemaking, Moscatel Rosada (known as Italia in Peru) is seeing a revival and Moscatel de Hamburgo is one of the most planted varieties in Uruguay.
N
Niagara
No-one really talks about Niagara in South America. However, it is an important variety for Brazil and, to a lesser extent, Uruguay. Brazil has over 3,500 hectares of Niagara planted (both white and pink) and this North American grape (Vitis Labrusca) is used for wine, juice and for eating.
Negramoll (Negra Moll)
A Criolla grape variety found in Peru. See Mollar.
O
P
País (Listán Prieto, Criolla Chica, Mission, Negra Criolla)
This red grape variety is a Criolla grape that has been widely planted in the Southern Cone since the Spanish arrived in the 1500s. There are over 45 synonyms for País and historically it was the most important variety on the continent – accounting for over 90% of plantings in Chile and Argentina in 1833, according to the University of Santiago. Today there are 9,600 hectares of País in Chile (often old vine País, dry-farmed and head-trained), 1,250 in Peru and 360 hectares in Argentina. It is mainly used for Pisco production in Peru, while in Chile and Argentina it has been used for bulk wine in recent history, and today is being made into fine wines. Read more about the País revival.
Pedro Giménez / Pedro Ximénez
Pedro Giménez and Pedro Ximénez are often interchanged, although there is a difference. Pedro Giménez is a Criolla grape which is found in Argentina, whereas Pedro Ximénez is a Spanish grape which is commonly grown in Jeréz in southern Spain (commonly used for sweet Sherry). There are 10,700 hectares of Pedro Giménez in Argentina and it is one of the most planted white varieties in the country, although it is in decline. There are also some vineyards of Pedro Ximénez in Argentina, although Pedro Ximénez is more common in Chile, where it is used for producing both Pisco and wine.
Note: Pedro Giménez is called Pedro Jiménez in Chile.
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
Pinot Gris is grown in almost equal proportions in Argentina (440 hectares) and Chile (437 hectares), with just a few vineyards in Uruguay and Brazil.
Pisco varieties
The Pisco varieties are a collection of Criolla varieties which are used for Pisco and Brandy production (but can also be used for wine production). These include Torontel, Italia, Albilla, Moscatel, Quebranta, Negra Peruana/Negramoll, Uvina and Mollar.
Prosecco
Mistakenly named Prosecco, the Glera grape is grown in Brazil and Argentina. (See Glera.)
Q
Quebranta
A native pink variety found in Peru and typically used for Pisco, but also for wine production today. Quebranta in Peru is considered one of the finest of the Criolla grapes. Quebranta is, in fact, a cross between Listán Prieto (País/Criolla Chica) and Negramoll.
R
Riesling
There are two types of Riesling in South America. The first, Riesling, is the noble variety that is best known from Germany, Alsace and Austria. The second, Riesling Italico, is actually Welschriesling – a less noble and much more simple variety, also known as Graševina in Croatia. Another variety, called Rieslina, also exists in Argentina.
The best wines come from Riesling and top areas for good quality Riesling in South America are Bío Bío, Casablanca, San Antonio and Colchagua Andes in Chile, and the Uco Valley and Río Negro in Argentina.
Romano
An ancient variety from Burgundy (also known as César Noir) which arrived in Chile in the 19th century. It almost disappeared from Burgundy following phylloxera, but pockets of old vines remain in Chile. It is often planted with other varieties.
S
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is planted throughout South America’s wine regions. You’ll find Sauvignon Blanc in Bolivia, Peru and Brazil. However most notable are the Sauvignon Blanc wines from Chile, Argentina and Uruguay.
Sauvignon Blanc in Chile
The most planted white variety in Chile, Sauvignon Blanc accounts for 15,000 hectares of vines! It is grown throughout all of Chile’s major wine regions and performs particularly well in the coastal regions of Casablanca, San Antonio and Limarí. Mountain Sauvignon Blanc in Colchagua and Cachapoal also shows promise and there are some interesting examples coming from the southern regions of Bío Bío and Malleco. Most of Chile’s Sauvignon Blanc, though, is made in general Central Valley blends.
Sauvignon Blanc in Argentina
There are 2,060 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc planted in Argentina and it is produced in all of the major wine regions. Some of the most distinctive and best Sauvignon Blanc in Argentina comes from high altitude vineyards, in particular from the regions of Salta (Cafayate and Calchaquies) and the Uco Valley. There is also some excellent Sauvignon Blanc being produced on the coast of Argentina in Mar del Plata.
Sauvignon Blanc in Uruguay
While Uruguay is mainly a red wine country, there is good Sauvignon Blanc in Uruguay. There are 141 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc in Uruguay and the best examples come from the coastal regions.
Sauvignon Vert (Sauvignonasse)
For a long time Sauvignon Vert was confused with Sauvignon Blanc in Chile, where you’ll find 658 hectares of it today. Now that the Sauvignon Vert is identified correctly, Chile’s Sauvignon Blanc has improved and a new – much smaller – category of Sauvignon Vert wines has emerged, although the majority of Chile’s Sauvignon Vert is put into larger blends. In Argentina, where it is called Sauvignonasse, there are 405 hectares and it too has had a confused identity for several decades.
Sémillon
Sémillon in Argentina
There’s been a revival of old vine Sémillon in Argentina. Historically there were thousands of hectares of Sémillon in Argentina, but they have now dwindled to 730 hectares. Winemakers have rediscovered the value of Sémillon over the last few years, making it into single variety wines and putting it in blends. Today there are dozens of single-variety premium Sémillon wines on the market, mainly from Mendoza and Rio Negro.
Sémillon in Chile
The story of Semillon in Chile is similar to that of Argentina. While plantings are in decline, there are still 850 hectares planted today – most of which are old vines. Winemakers are also turning their attention to making single-variety Sémillon wines in Chile and there are some exciting Sémillons, particularly from the southern valleys.
T
Tannat
The indisputed King of Uruguay, Tannat is Uruguay’s most planted grape variety – accounting for a quarter of all vineyards. It is also a much-loved variety in northern Argentina (especially the Calchaquí Valley) and in Bolivia. There are in fact Tannat vineyards in most of South America’s wine regions, but where it has mainly made a name for itself is in Uruguay.
With 1,655 hectares planted, Tannat is grown all over Uruguay‘s wine regions – running from the coast east to west and inland on the border with Brazil and Argentina.
Torontel
The name for Torrontés in Chile and Peru. This is an aromatic grape variety, typically used for Pisco production, but there is a growing tendency towards using it to make natural wines (especially in southern Chile).
Torrontés
This is, in fact, three grape varieties: Torrontés Riojano, Torrontés Sanjuanino and Torrontés Mendocino. They were traditionally grown in the different regions they are named after (La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza) but today Torrontés Riojano is favoured in all regions because of its superior quality for wine production.
This aromatic white grape is native to Argentina – a cross between Criolla Chica [País] and Muscat of Alexandria. Typically it is very aromatic with explosive floral, tropical and orchard fruit notes. It can be vinified either as a dry or off-dry wine, or a dessert wine. The most common, dry version, can sometimes have a slight bitterness on the palate, although modern winemaking techniques are eliminating this characteristic.
Torrontés is grown all over Argentina but performs best at high altitudes, where the cooler evening temperatures help to retain some acidity and freshness. It is particularly well-known from the valleys in Salta – Cafayate and Calchaquies.
U
Uvina
A red grape variety found in Peru and typically used for Pisco production. One of the non-aromatic varieties used for Pisco.
V
X
Y
Z
