On the international wine stage, South America is hot. The reputation of this wine continent – built on reliable, value for money wines – is nowadays all about world-class quality.

South America has two main wine producing countries, Chile and Argentina, and they both produce tremendous amounts of wine. Argentina is the fifth largest wine producer in the world, and Chile's wine exports exceed that of the United States. Chile has always been good at producing good-value, straightforward red wines with exuberant fruity qualities, whilst wine drinking Argentina had gained a reputation for its simple table wines. Over the last two decades, however, an emphasis on quality has totally transformed both wine giants. Their vineyards, their wineries and their wines are now at an impressive international standard.

The Norton* range is Argentina's most reliable wine and Norton Privada is the flagship. Privada is a premium blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and malbec from 50 to 80 year old vines, aged in French oak. It has a complex aroma, infused with ripe berry fruit, cherries, coffee, hints of herbs and a lovely smoky complexity. On the palate it is round, powerful and concentrated, surging with deep, full bodied tannins to provide a sublime lingering finish. The perfect match for casseroles and roast meat.

With this Sauvignon Blanc, Norton* has created a very elegant, lively wine, with lots of nose: citrus, green apple, asparagus and grapefruit. It’s beautifully balanced, having a rounded body, fine depth and an appealing, refreshingly acidic finish. Serve with goat’s cheese or sea food, especially prawns.

If you haven’t tried Torrontés, it’s worth giving this true Argentinian white from Norton* a go. It has a striking floral and fruity nose with rose, jasmin, peach and apricot. On the palate it’s round and full, yet fresh, dry and with a good acidity. Not surprisingly this is a very popular drink in the clubs of Buenos Airos. Great as aperitif or paired with lighter vegetarisan dishes, sushi or salmon.

The horse on the label pays homage to Leonardo Da Vinci, and ties together the Haras de Pirque Estate’s dual focus: wine making and raising thoroughbred race horses. The winery itself is shaped like a giant horseshoe and lies in the prestigious wine area of the Maipo valley. This flattering, tantalising Cabernet Sauvignon is a great example of the winery’s qualities. It combines a generous fruity nose with fresh mint notes, blended with spiciness and a subtle influence of oak. The palate is rich and lingering with great minerality and smooth tannins. It’s a perfect companion for lamb chops with herbs, steak tartare, grilled rib eye steak or stuffed red peppers.

www.harasdepirque.com

This characterful rosé wine from Norton* has a fresh, fruity nose of young cherries and other red fruit. On the palate its entry is fresh, followed by intense, fruity qualities and a soft finish. It is easy to pair with many dishes, such as fish, chicken and lighter meat dishes.

With its Cosecha Especial, Norton* presents a great sparkling wine made of the best chardonnay grapes from its Mendoza vineyards. The elegant flavour is a superb combination of velvety softness, rich, fruity tones and tantalising bubbles. Other characteristics of this harmonious wine include a round, delicate structure and hints of vanilla and butter.

This exquisite wine from the famous Norton winery* has the most amazing golden shine. Made of late harvest chardonnay grapes it has a delicious, natural sweetness. The delicate aromas of fruit and honey, combined with the velvety soft flavour, the good balance, and the lingering finish, make it ideal as aperitif or dessert wine, and a true companion for blue cheese and dried fruit.