The Most Distinctive Wines from Latin America to Sip On
When it comes to distinctive wines that showcase the unique character and identity of Latin American terroirs, you’ll find an exciting array of choices. From crisp whites and sparkling wines to fruity rosés and juicy, spicy reds, the Latin America region produces a diverse range of wine styles that cater to all tastes. This is why as a top restaurant in Coconut Grove, we have a rich tapestry of the continent’s best wines. Our selection includes countries like Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay offering a varied snapshot of grapes and wine styles, reflecting the continent’s winemaking heritage. From Pinot Gris, Albariño, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Carmenère, Merlot, and more, Latin America has you covered. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply enjoy a glass of wine to unwind, immerse in this carefully curated selection of distinctive wines from this vibrant continent.
White Wines
White wines are typically produced from green-skinned grapes, with the grape skins removed before fermentation to prevent coloration. These wines focus on acidity and aroma as they lack the tannins found in red wines. White wines may be aged in stainless steel for a fresh profile, or in oak for added vanilla, spice, coconut, and caramel notes. They are often made from a single grape variety, with labeling practices varying by region. White wines can range from dry to sweet, with some producers using the same grapes to create both. The flavors and aromas of white wines are influenced by the grape and climate, with warmer regions producing tropical fruit notes and cooler regions offering citrus profiles. The best white wines from Latin America include:
1. Domaine Bousquet – Reserve Organic Pinot Gris 2020
This Pinot Gris from Cuyo, Argentina is a step up from the premium varietal line. These blends of Domaine Bousquet estate-grown grapes from plots with low yields offer more body, more tannin in the reds, and ultimately more flavor. This wine lends an Old World elegance so prized by wine lovers.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of apples, lemons, and pears. On the nose, it shows white fruit with delicate floral notes. In the mouth, is fruity with fresh citric notes, a medium to full body with medium acidity, and a fresh palate.
2. Bodega Catena Zapata – “Catena Alta” Chardonnay 2020
Another great gem from the region of Mendoza, Argentina this white wine is made with Chardonnay from two of Catena Zapata’s most cherished vineyards: Adrianna and Domingo. The fruit from the Adrianna Vineyard offers a purity of flavors and a very particular minerality characteristic of this vineyard, not found anywhere else in Mendoza. The “Domingo” vineyard, close to the gravel-covered “Adrianna” vineyard, makes up 20% of the Catena Alta Chardonnay blend. After 14 months of aging in French oak barrels, it is expressive and full of character.
Tasting Notes: Elegant, oak-fermented white, fresh, and good acidity. Aromas and flavors of honey, citrus, pears, peaches, white flowers, and a note of vanilla.
3. Santo Tomas – Mision Blanco Baja California White Blend 2020
Bodegas Santo Tomas was the first winery established in Baja California and is the first Mexican winery to have a female head winemaker, Laura Zamora. This white wine has a nice straw yellow color with a silvery hue, the nose is citric, yellow apple, honey, and floral. You can find it a a top restaurant in Coconut Grove and can enjoy it with vegan quesadillas, grilled fish or sushi, and sashimi.
Tasting Notes: Offers aromas of magnolia, yellow apple, and honey, with fresh citrus on the palate. On the mouth, it’s fresh and light, with a silky texture.
Red Wines
Red wines are produced from black-skinned grapes with colorless juice, where the grape skins mix with the juice to create a reddish-purple beverage during the winemaking process. These skins also contain tannins, which contribute to red wine’s bitterness and preservation qualities, allowing for longer aging compared to white wines. Red wines may be aged in oak barrels to impart flavors like sweet baking spice, cocoa, and vanilla while softening the tannins. The taste of red wine varies based on aging methods, grape varieties, and regional factors, with fruit flavors such as red, black, and blue fruit prevalent in different climates. Red wines can be single-varietal or identified by their appellation, depending on the region of production. Our selection of the best red wines from Latin America includes:
1. Humberto Canale – 2020 Patagonia Merlot
At 39.2 degrees southern latitude, in Argentine Patagonia, Canale’s vineyards flourish in one of the world’s most southerly regions. Rio Negro’s cold nights and intensely sunny days yield consistently ripe, luscious fruit. This ideal environment combined with state-of-the-art winery techniques results in truly exceptional wines. This wine has an intense ruby color. On the nose, it has aromas of ripe raspberry, cherry, cassis, blackcurrant and redcurrant. It offers a long and layered finish.
Tasting Notes: The palate is intense but mellow and velvety with hints of tobacco, chocolate, and vanilla. Aromas of raspberry, cherry, cassis, black currant, and red currant
2. Bodega Garzon – Maldonado Single Vineyard Tannat 2018
Bodega Garzon is one of the wineries in Uruguay with more tradition. Of a deep purple color, this powerful Tannat had a period of aging of 12 – 18 months in untoasted French oak barrels. It is a full-bodied wine with a juicy and fresh mouth, a pleasant sensation, and a long and vibrant finish.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of red fruits such as cherries and strawberries, black plums, tobacco, and black chocolate in a spice-flavored range.
3. Trapiche – Broquel Malbec 2019
With its origin in Mendoza, Argentina this malbec’s natural malolactic fermentation and maceration take place in small cement vats for a minimum of 25 days at 23 – 25 ºC. It has a sweet attack in the mouth with full-bodied tannins as well as a long and pleasant finish. You can pair it with pasta with mushroom sauce, roasted red meats, stews, and cheeses.
Tasting Notes: Rich and spicy on the palate providing a long finish. Aromas of fresh red and black fruits, floral notes, and earthy minerals with an elegant touch of smoke.
4. Terranoble – Gran Reserva Carmenere 2020
From Chile, several important wine critics have rated this Maule Valley wine highly. It has ranked in the top 10 for a number of awards won among wines from this region including the Vinalies Internationales awarded the 2009 vintage Gold and the Mundus Vini awarded Gold. The wine shows a purple-red color with blueish hues. It makes a wonderful pairing with risotto, thick ribs, oven-roasted beef brisket, or seasoned foods.
Tasting Notes: Palate of sweet, round tannins, balanced acidity, and a touch of chocolate. Creamy on the palate, it unfolds a pleasant acidity and freshness that add persistence to its ending. Complex nose of ripe black fruits, spicy notes, and soft notes of bitter chocolate.
From crisp and refreshing white wines to bold and complex reds, Latin America’s winemaking heritage shines through its diverse range of wine styles. As a top restaurant in Coconut Grove, our carefully curated selection of Latin American wines is a testament to the region’s winemaking excellence and rich tradition. With each sip, you’ll experience the warmth of the sun, the coolness of the winds, and the passion of the winemakers who have crafted these exceptional wines. So, raise your glass to the best wines of Latin America and savor the essence of this beautiful continent, one sip at a time.