South America is among the rising stars of New World Wine. For this month’s recommendations, I’ve selected 3 wines from the 3 most important wine growing countries in South America — Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay — and a special grape that defines so much of their wine landscape.

1. Carmenère ("car-meh-nehr") has become Chile's pride & joy.  Like Malbec, Carmenère also comes from the Bordeaux region of France.  It was on the verge of extinction until Chile wine growers wrongly confused Carmenére for Merlot and planted it widely around the country, only to find its official new home in Chile.   Pairs well with grilled meats and heartier pastas.  

2. Malbec is the much-loved wine from Argentina. Originally from France, Malbec was considered a blending grape in Bordeaux and a dark, rustic wine in other parts of France... until Mendoza proved to be the perfect place for it to flourish.  Unlike its French counterpart, Argentine Malbec shows more finesse, brighter fruit notes, and smoother tannins.  Antigal's UNO Malbec is no exception, and at $15 it's a great buy!  Pair with grilled steak. 

3. Continuing the trend of French grapes that found their way to South America, Tannat originated in France (Southwest region in the Pyrenees) but is now an integral part of the Uruguayan wine landscape.  Tannat is one of the most tannic wines (hence the name) and therefore has one of the highest levels of antioxidants of any type of wine.  Tannat from Uruguay run between $15 - $30 and offer an amazing value, especially for lovers of full-bodied red wines.  Pair with protein: steak, lamb, stewed meat, duck, etc.