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After first focusing on a highly local and utilitarian production, new wine-producing countries have gradually emerged on the international market.
Australia, Chile, Lebanon, Argentina, and South Africa now offer quality red wines that rank among the best in the world and stand up well to comparisons with Spanish red wines and Portuguese red wines.
Terry Pomerantz invites you to sample 5 of these top red wines.
The Best Red Wines from South Africa
In South Africa, the Dutch were the ones who first planted and cultivated vines back in the mid-17th century. Later, French Huguenot settlers introduced their expertise, along with French grape varieties.
Among the grape varieties that shape today’s South African red wines are Pinotage, cabernet-sauvignon, syrah, merlot, and cinsault.
The Best Red Wines from Australia
It was in the Sydney area that British colonists planted the first vines in the 18th century. Today, Australian red wines are renowned for being powerful, diverse, and balanced.
Characteristic grape varieties of Australian red wines include shiraz —the emblematic grape variety of Australia—, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon.
The Best Red Wines from Argentina
As early as the 16th century, Franciscan monks established in Argentina imported several grape varieties from Europe for red wine production, essential to the celebration of the catholic mass. It was in the 19th century that Argentinian viticulture truly flourished with the arrival of Italian, Spanish, and French immigrants.
The main grape varieties in Argentinian red wine vineyards are malbec, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, bonarda, and tempranillo.
The Best Red Wines from Chile
Like Argentina, Chile benefited from the traditional know-how of Spanish winemakers when the first vines were introduced on its soil.
It was also during the 19th century that Chilean winemakers began importing European red wine grape varieties, such as carmenère, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot.
Often supple and round, Chilean red wines yield aromas of red fruits, hints of spices and cocoa, as well as the characteristic notes of wines aged in oak barrels.
The Best Red Wines from Lebanon
Around 3000 BC, the Phoenicians pioneered vine cultivation in Lebanon. Skilled navigators and astute traders, they exported Lebanese wine throughout the Mediterranean.
After nearly disappearing under ottoman rule, Jesuits reintroduced vines in the Bekaa valley to once again produce this red wine, essential to catholic worship.
Generally robust, Lebanese red wines stand out with flavors of oriental spices, cedar wood notes, and aromas of dark fruit.
5 of the Best Red Wines in the World
Chocolate Block Swartland 2023 (South Africa)
This full-bodied red is cultivated in the western cape region. The South African wine blends syrah (69%), grenache (13%), cabernet-sauvignon (9%), and cinsault (9%).
The Chocolate Block reveals notes of cocoa, oak, and prune. This meaty wine pairs very well with grilled dishes and fondues.
2- Familia Zuccardi Malbec Concreto Valle de Uco 2021 (Argentina)
This splendid Argentinian red, composed entirely of malbec from the Mendoza region, exhibits roundness, freshness, and elegance accented by aromas of red fruits, subtle spice, and espresso beans.
3- Crimes Shiraz/Grenache/Mataro (Australia)
Made from a blend of grenache (60%), shiraz (25%), and moudèvre (15%), this Australian red yields flavors of cherry, spices, and violet, enhanced by pleasant woody undertones. This medium-bodied wine wonderfully complements all red meats.
4- San Pedro Sideral Vallée du Cachapoal Andes 2022 (Chile)
This Chilean red is comprised mainly of cabernet-sauvignon (68%), syrah (17%), and cabernet franc (9%). Originating from the Valle Central, it reveals aromas of cocoa and wood with silky tannins. The San Pedro Sideral pairs well with duck and pork ribs.
5- Château St-thomas Vallée de la Bekaa 2018 (Lebanon)
With a rounded and full body, this Lebanese red from the Bekaa valley combines cabernet-sauvignon (85%), merlot (10%), and syrah (5%). Château St-Thomas is an excellent pairing for red meats and couscous.
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An avid wine lover, Terry Pomerantz shares his love of fine bottles, guided by a responsible approach to the art of living. Discover his advice on food and wine pairing, his favorite bottles, and the ideal choices for each season and occasion. Immerse yourself in his passion and learn to fully appreciate each bottle in good company.