The two significant producers in South American wine production are Chile and Argentina.
Often described as a "viticultural paradise" Chile has spent the past 20 years learning from the lessons provided by the USA and Australia. They have embraced modern technology and international varieties and presented them to the world in a no nonsense package at an affordable price. Recent developments have seen an increased understanding of their environment and the confidence to follow their USPs of the Carmenere variety and phylloxera free soils.
When Argentina is not exporting world-class footballers they are making a good fist of world-class wines, particularly reds from Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. A little behind the curve in comparison to their neighbour they are nonetheless exploiting their gift of an incredible climate and water-on-demand from the AndesMountains. Expect to see an increase of great Argentinean wines coincide with the rebuilding of their fragile economy.