For too long, the narrative around Wines of South America has been dominated by a select few classics. While Argentine Malbec and Chilean Carmenère are fantastic, they represent only a fraction of the continent’s incredible viticultural potential. The Latin American Wines industry is brimming with pioneers and innovators, from Mexico’s pioneering valleys to the high-altitude vineyards of the Andes and the emerging sparkling regions of Brazil.
It’s time to move beyond the usual suspects and explore the bottles that are redefining quality and challenging traditional perceptions. We’ve compiled the fascinating case files on three producers whose craftsmanship and vision make their wines absolute must-tries.
In 1987, a small group of friends led by winemaker Hans Backhoff embarked on a mission that seemed impossible: to prove Mexico could produce world-class wine. They founded Monte Xanic, the country’s first-ever boutique winery, a landmark moment in the history of Mexican Wines. This wasn’t just a business venture; it was a commitment to excellence, a legacy now carried on by Hans’s son, Hans Joseph Backhoff Guerrero.
Their Sauvignon Blanc from the Valle de Guadalupe is a perfect example of this precision. To capture the pure, vibrant fruit character, they employ a technique used by the world’s best white wine producers: cold fermentation. Grapes are often hand-harvested at night to protect them from the daytime heat, a meticulous effort to prevent premature oxidation. The juice is then carefully fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Hence, this deliberate cold process is the secret to preserving the wine’s explosive, tropical aromatics.
Tasting Notes: Experience the clean, crisp profile bursting with notes of pineapple, guava, and mandarin orange. The palate is bone-dry with a thrilling, lively acidity.
Food Pairing: This wine is a brilliant partner for any light dish. Its high acidity cuts beautifully through a rich seafood ceviche, or complements the tang of fresh goat cheese.
When thinking of Mendoza, the mind defaults to Malbec. However, the visionary behind Alta Yarí, Hervé Fabre, a French transplant from Bordeaux, saw a grander potential. He left the tradition of the Old World and applied his expertise to the high-altitude wine landscapes of Argentina, specifically focusing on its stunning Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon. Fabre’s philosophy is simple yet profound: the vineyard is paramount, and the winery should be a silent partner.
The Alta Yarí Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva embodies the spirit of high-altitude wine. The fruit is sourced from vineyards over 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above sea level in the Uco Valley. Therefore, this extreme altitude results in thick-skinned grapes with intense concentration, which translates directly to the wine’s powerful structure and deep color.
The final element is the delicate use of wood. The wine is fermented and aged using a portion of new French oak barrels. Fabre’s skill lies in integrating the wood so precisely that it supports the fruit, adding nuances of cocoa and spice without masking the terroir. This results in a wine that is powerful yet elegant, with smooth, refined tannins.
Tasting Notes: The wine delivers a structured nose of dark fruit, black currant, and a rich undercurrent of cocoa and sweet spice. The palate is full-bodied, complex, and enduring.
Food Pairing: This robust red demands a rich protein. It is the perfect counterpoint to a juicy Argentine bife de lomo (sirloin steak) or a hearty prime rib roast, where its tannins slice through the richness of the fat.
Finally, we arrive at a true modern anomaly: a quality sparkling wine that embraces the casual elegance of a can. Bom Dia Brazilian Bubbles is more than just a convenience; it’s a disruptive force in the Brazilian wine industry, showcasing the quality coming out of the cool southern regions of the country. Moreover, co-founder Antonio Motta built this brand to be an honest, approachable representative of Brazilian Sparkling Wine.
This bubbly is a blend of classic sparkling grapes, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The secret to its incredible accessibility and clean flavor lies in the Charmat method (or tank method). Unlike the more expensive bottle-fermented styles, the secondary fermentation, the process that creates the bubbles, occurs in a large, pressurized tank. This allows the wine to retain all of its bright, youthful fruit and maintain its consistent, lively fizz. The swift process and hermetic seal of the can ensure that the wine you drink is as fresh as the day it was made.
Tasting Notes: This wine is light, crisp, and clean with delicate bubbles. The palate offers refreshing flavors of green apple, pear, and zesty citrus.
Food Pairing: Its versatility makes it the ultimate all-day drink. Pair it with fresh seafood, light salads, or use it to elevate your brunch experience. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that embodies Brazil’s festive spirit.
These three producers are a testament to the fact that the most exciting wine stories are often found where you least expect them. By exploring these Wines of South America, you not only expand your palate. You are also supporting a new generation of winemakers committed to quality and innovation. The next time you reach for a bottle, consider making a strong case for one of these Latin American wine gems.
Martha Cisneros Paja is a wine educator, founder of Latinas Wine Club Inc. and author of Mexican Wines: A guide to Fall in Love with Wines of Mexico . Read more about one of the most hard-working Latinas in Wine here.
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