So with the world cup furore over for another four years we can all wrench ourselves out of our armchairs, de-robe our cars and houses of St.George banners, and start speaking to the wife again. It was one of the most unpredictable competitions in decades with many of the favoured countries making a swift exit, most notable no-shows in the the final eight were France, Italy and England. South America appeared to be the superior continent at this juncture but big boys Brazil and Argentina fell at the final furlong leaving an pan- European clash for the showdown. Uruguay were the shock of the tournament but were widely chastised for performing their very own ‘hand of god’ act, knocking out local favorites Ghana.
For a second year running then, European football fans have won bragging rights over their South American counterparts. The opposite is happening in the Wine industry however with some really flavoursome grapes coming out of Soutj American regions like Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Mexico at the moment. Chile in particular is producing some outstanding Reds, the grapes grow in rich, fertile soil on the high altitude vineyards of the Maipo and Raphel Valleys. Just like their bold young squad who gave Spain a real scare in the group stages, Chilean wine such as the full bodied Cabernet Carmener Montgrass are challenging established European favourites such as Spanish and Italian Wine
The Argentinean team are widely regarded as one of the best in the world, while their wine producing capabilities may not live up to that glorious accolade at present, they have all the ingredients to be one of the major players in the industry in the not to distant future. Just as their starting eleven is made of a huge resource of individual brilliance, the sublime footwork of Messi, the never-say-die attitude of Tevez, their Vineyards posses a range of qualities. The Mendoza and Patagonia regions can boast the purest water flowing from the Andes, clear, unpolluted skies and year round sunshine adding up to make the ‘Argies’ a major player in the Wine World Cup
Even if your country didn’t fare to well in the football this summer, take comfort in the fact that they probably produce an amazing wine that will help you relax and forget all your World Cup worries, at least until 2014!