South America’s white wines are catching up to their reds

South America’s white wines are catching up to their reds

David Williams from the Guardian's 'Wine of the week'

Having mastered Malbec and Cabernet, South America’s producers are getting creative with a range of white wines

Chile’s winemakers have long had a knack for good-value sauvignon blanc, such as the peapoddy zippiness of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, Aconcagua 2017. But the quality has improved dramatically since they found more suitable sites near the Pacific in which to grow the variety. There is a luminous succulence to Viña Leyda Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard Garuma 2018 (£14.18, Great Wines Direct), a house signature also apparent in the same producer’s Neblina Riesling. I’m hoping the complex Bodegas RE Velado 2012, a sherry or Jura Vin Jaune-alike white made from pinot noir, will find a UK importer soon. But in the meantime, see how Chile is mastering chardonnay with wines such as Maycas del Limari Quebadra Seca Chardonnay, Limari 2014

Read more at their website - https://www.leyda.cl/