Southern Exposure
By-the-glass options
from Argentina, Chile continue to produce for operators. By Kelly A. Magyarics
to Cheers' parent company Th e Beverage Information Group (BIG). Many of these wines round out lists at both chain and independent restaurants and can off er particularly good values by the glass. Th at same data shows that Argentina's and Chile's annual compound growth rate for wine imported to the United States from 2005 to 2010 were 25.8 percent and 16.8 percent, respectively. Crowd pleasing, easy-drinking Malbec from Argentina's
S
outh American wine is hot. In 2010, Chile imported the third largest amount of wine to the United States, while imports from Argentina ranked fi fth, according
Mendoza region, is joined in the market by wines from lesser- known varietals and emerging sub-regions in both countries. And while guests often perceive enough value to order an entire bottle, the fact that these wines are lesser-known gives them an exotic appeal that makes them great by-the-glass choices for customers who are willing to sample something new. Operators with a sharp eye towards maintaining a well-rounded wine program pepper their lists with these South American stars. "Malbec from Argentina, particularly Mendoza, still leads
Amayna winery and vineyards is one of Chile's many wine producers.
the pack," declares Kevin Born, certifi ed sommelier for Soby's New South Cuisine. Th e 200-seat restaurant in Greenville, South Carolina infuses contemporary cuisine with traditional Southern ingredients; it is the fl agship restaurant of Table 301's six concepts in Greenville. Born off ers the 2010 Portillo Malbec from Valle de Uco, a sub-region of Mendoza, for $8 a glass.
26 | APRIL 2012 www.cheersonline.com
