Best South American wines: Great value picks for summer

South America’s wine regions span a diverse range of terroirs and climates. From fresh high-altitude vineyards and cool coastal sites to the warmer valleys. So it’s no surprise that this selection of wines from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay is a varied snapshot of grapes and wine styles.

For anyone looking to find great wines to drink this summer, the choices are exciting. Even better in the current economic climate, you’ll find that South American bottles regularly over-deliver for the price. This selection of 30 sparkling wines, whites, rosés and reds from recent tastings are all priced below £20.

There are the classic South American styles that you’d expect, including fruity Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Chile’s signature red: Carmenère. From Argentina, Torrontes is making quality whites and Argentinian Malbec continues to impress.

But alongside the usual suspects, there are some more unexpected bottles, including Albariño from Uruguay and the increasingly popular País – Chile’s ‘forgotten’ grape, which is now producing quality single-varietal wines.

What’s more, the range of grape varieties that can now be found in South America reflects a growing dynamism in the region’s wine scene. Yes, you’d expect Malbec and Merlot, but what about Garnacha and Cabernet Franc? Or Gewürztraminer and Semillon?

From food-friendly Chardonnays to quaffable Malbec rosés and light Pinot Noir reds, this list will give you plenty of seasonal drinking inspiration – whatever the occasion. Find great bottles for summer parties and barbecues, lazy alfresco lunches or sundowners.