THE VERDICT

Chile dominated this South American tasting, accounting for 70% of the wines tasted. While Argentina has the most Syrah vines planted, there were only 18 Argentinian wines submitted. Nonetheless, the results showed the potential of Syrah across the continent, with Outstanding wines from Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

Alistair Cooper MW noted: ‘When South American Syrah is good, it’s certainly as good as Australia and New Zealand.’ Dirceu Vianna Junior MW agreed. ‘A few wines right at the top could rival any wine from anywhere. But in the middle there were also a lot which were exuberant, rewarding, easy to drink – and very consistent.’

‘These were intriguing wines, which engendered discussion – and that’s what Syrah should do,’ mused Peter Richards MW, adding: ‘There were corresponding lows to some of the highs, but it’s a grape which clearly has a lot of diversity in style, and quality. South America is a big place and it’s great to see it fulfilling that diversity.’

So is it safe to assume that Syrah belongs in South America? ‘Yes – but it needs specific sites, it needs the right winemaker and it needs the right climate,’ said Richards. ‘There are probably quite a few