We\u2019re traveling to popular <\/span>appellations<\/span> in South America for our next Premium Wine Club adventure! Discover four <\/span>premium red wines<\/span> from the Southern Hemisphere in this upcoming <\/span>wine subscription<\/span><\/a>. Three bottlings are crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the fourth blend is made with a generous dose of <\/span>Malbec wine<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n These wines are vibrant expressions of the country\u2019s terroir and are highly-rated from <\/span>wine critics<\/span> like <\/span>James Suckling<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Tim Atkin<\/span><\/a>. To learn more about wine ratings to further help you identify high quality premium wines and increase your chances of enjoying your wine experience, read our blog post, \u201c<\/span>Wine Ratings And What They Really Mean<\/span><\/a>.” Can you taste the difference from two different sides of the Andes Mountains? We\u2019re going to find out together in real time at our expert-led <\/span>virtual wine tasting<\/span>!<\/span> All four wineries in this tasting have over 400 collective years of history! Founded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they\u2019ve been perfecting their craft since the advent of modern <\/span>winemaking in South America<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n The wine industries of Argentina and Chile have a unique history that dates back to the late 1800s when the Phylloxera insect wreaked havoc on the vineyards of Europe. This unfortunate event forced <\/span>French and Italian winemakers<\/span> to seek opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere, where they found refuge in the high elevations and isolation of South America. Remarkably, the continent avoided the Phylloxera infestation. To this day, there are still original vines planted over 100 years ago. This has resulted in a one-of-a-kind <\/span>wine experience<\/span> that showcases the resilience and ingenuity of the <\/span>appellations<\/span>‘ winemakers.<\/span><\/p>\n Argentina is one of the most important wine-producing countries in the New World, and the largest producer of wine in South America. The high altitude deserts of the eastern Andes Mountains have given rise to a <\/span>high quality wine<\/span><\/a> industry. Wines produced at this elevation are more herbaceous and peppery, interwoven with layers of spice and mineral.<\/span> Just west of Argentina and averaging only 120 miles wide, Chile\u2019s topography and climate are very similar to that of Northern California. The Colchagua Valley is known for its rich, ripe Cabernets brimming with purple fruit and spice.<\/span><\/p>\n Colchagua Valley’s desirable terroir has made this one of Chile’s most <\/span>important wine regions<\/span>. A coastal mountain range blocks cool air currents and weather systems from the Pacific, keeping the interior of the country warm, dry and sunny. The steep slopes on the edges of the coastal mountains are proving to be the most desirable spots for <\/span>viticulture<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Today, Chile and Argentina are ranked #5 and #6 in world <\/span>wine production<\/span>. Separated by 230 miles of the Andes Mountains, the two countries are worlds apart, yet share a lot in common. This month\u2019s <\/span>Premium Wine Club<\/span><\/a> tasting set<\/span> journey will give us a taste of both at their best!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\nExplore The History: South America Winemaking<\/b><\/h4>\n
Elevate Your Palate: New World Wine Regions<\/b><\/h4>\n
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>The Mendoza wine region is widely considered to be the most important wine region in Argentina, gaining this reputation as it accounts for almost two-thirds of the entire <\/span>wine production<\/span> in the country.<\/span><\/p>\nSpecial <\/b>Virtual Wine Tasting<\/b> Co-Host<\/b><\/h4>\n