It's a 'good crisis' for South American wine

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2009

BORDEAUX, France (AFP) — As the world grits its teeth and grabs another glass of something to chase the blues away, South American wine producers are contentedly watching exports bounce.

International wine sales from places like Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Peru are up in the first quarter of 2009, and industry professionals are saying the crisis has been positive for them.

"For Argentina it¹s the right wine, at the right price, at the right time," said Amelia Nolan of Argento, one of Argentina¹s best selling wine brands.

Already up 20 percent for the first part of this year, compared to 2008, the company aims to sell 700,000 cases in the year -- 8.4 million bottles.

Such targets might seem risky given current gloom. But Argentina has seen its quality wine...