Days of wine and profits: vineyards come of age with offerings at the high end of the spectrum and a variety to rival the wine regions of France and California

Latin CEO: Executive Strategies for the Americas, June, 2001 by Luis Zalamea

Another helpful trend will be co-ventures between Chilean and Argentine vintners, now on the horizon as prime soil in Chile becomes more scarce. Across the cordillera, Argentina offers plenty of available good land and some Chilean winemakers are already purchasing real estate there.

This is the practical side to economic integration. Call me a shameless wine lover, but the taste, color and bouquet of a fine wine may do more for globalization -- and the profits it entails -- than all the rhetorical pronouncements of politicians and economists. Not to mention what it will do for the art of conversation. Salud!

RELATED ARTICLE: On Average Costs

Chilean wines continue to enjoy popularity in the lucrative US market, where Argentine wines are just beginning to find a following. Above is a sampling of wines common on US grocery store shelves. Prices for both Chilean and Argentine wines are far below comparable quality vintages from Europe and e*ven California.

CHILEAN

Vina Casa del Bosque Merlot and Calina Cabernet Sauvignon. Retail: US$5-US$10

CHILEAN

Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon and Casillero del Diablo Merlot. Retail: US$10-US$20

ARGENTINE

Terrazas Cabernet Sauvignon and Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon. Retail: US$10-US$20.

CHILEAN

Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon and Casa Lapostolle Merlot. Retail: US$20-US$30

Falling in Love With a Wine

Recently introduced into the US retail market is a dramatic example of the wondrous international synergy of winemaking. It is called California Brut Fresco, made with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Semillon grapes from Mendoza in Argentina, and developed at Moet Chandon's Domaine Chandon in California by US winemaker Dawnine Dyer (above). While it is officially called a sparkling wine (no wine produced outside Champagne in France can be legally labeled "Champagne"), it is superb, youthful yet subtle, thirst-quenching yet mischievous, with persistent, tiny bubbles and a hint of citrus. It retails under US$12 per bottle. Just the type of wine that deserves long life, love and fidelity.