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The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality / value South American Wines .

FOR THIS PANEL , we asked panelists to taste and rate wines from South America . These can be any style and from anywhere in the popular region . As always , these selections include brief tasting notes , a rating and the wine ’ s retail price ( which can vary from store to store and market to market ). Unless noted otherwise , prices reflect a 750-ml . bottle . If you are a beverage professional with a specialty in wine who is interested in participating in the panel , please contact Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgacceleration . com or 763-383-4447 .

RATING SYSTEM ★★★★★ Five Stars ( 92-100 ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship . ★★★★ Four Stars ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back .

★★★ Three Stars ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy .

FIVE STARS

( 97 ) BenMarco Expresivo 2020 ( Argentina ). Mostly malbec , with some cabernet franc in the mix , this wine is intense . Very dark , nearly saturated ruby in the glass , the nose is filled with lovely spice and floral notes . On the palate , the wine shows plenty of rich , dark fruit and firm tannins . ($ 40 )

( 96 ) Colomé Auténtico Malbec 2021 ( Argentina ). A perfect example how a red wine , without any oak or other barrel treatment , can still exhibit plenty of structure . 100 % malbec , from a vineyard at nearly a mile in altitude , the wine is definitely driven by its ripe and intense fruit . The nose and palate are layered with plenty of dark tree fruit , with hints of spice . ($ 42 )

( 95 ) Vina Alicia San Alberto Morena 2012 ( Argentina ). Once you taste this wine you will forget all about California cabs ! 88 % cab sauv , 12 % cab franc . Handpicked grapes that stay awhile after fermentation , giving the wine a deep color and silky-smooth palate . Plush tannins along with the black and blue fruit and a bit of chocolate makes this a perfect match for brisket barbeque . ($ 35 )

( 94 ) Antigal Uno Malbec 2021 ( Argentina ). This unoaked 100 % malbec is a very dark ruby in the glass . The nose and palate are dominated by rich , black fruit , and touches of spice . Nicely weighty on the palate , the finish balances the fruit and structure of this superb wine . ($ 18 )

( 94 ) Susana Balbo Signature Brioso White Blend 2021 ( Argentina ). This blend of semillón , sauvignon blanc and torrontés is a pale gold , with slight green notes in appearance . The nose is an attractive blend of stone fruit , citrus and fresh-cut grass . It has great acidity with a lush mouthfeel , and a long , balanced finish . ($ 29 )

( 94 ) El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2018 ( Argentina ). When Adrianna Catena began her own wine , making a venture , she named it El Enemigo , or “ the enemy .” But the venture was not designed to be a competition with her auspicious father ’ s business . So perhaps “ frenemies ” would be more appropriate . This luscious , deep garnet cabernet franc epitomizes what this varietal can be on its own . Black currant and plum , sweet , spices and oak notes . All combine , spend 16 months in French oak barrels and give a long finish with great balance that pairs with any hardy , meat-focused menu . ($ 24 )

( 93 ) Santa Julia La Oveja 2021 ( Argentina ). Produced from 100 % organically grown torrontés grapes , it shines with a bright gold color , with subtle green notes . On the nose the fruit jumps out of the glass , with plenty of white stone fruit and floral hints . Wonderfully acidic , it ’ s a great match for a wide variety of seafood and chicken dishes , as well as a perfect aperitif . ($ 18 )

( 93 ) La Celia Pioneer Cabernet Franc 2020 ( Argentina ). This 100 % cabernet franc has a lovely dark ruby aspect in the glass . On the nose , dark fruits dominate , with subtle hints of milk chocolate and spice . It has nice weight , with rich fruit leading the way , and nice weight and texture . A very versatile red wine , it ’ s not overly tannic , and is ready to enjoy now . ($ 14.99 )

www . beveragedynamics . com May 2023 • Beverage Dynamics 23