Argentinian and Uruguayan wines?

[Dainymar Tapia]

A lovely couple invited us to dinner. He's from Argentina, She's from Uruguay, and I was thinking it was a nice touch to bring a wine from both their countries to dinner. I know there are very good Argentinian wines, but don't know if Uruguay produces and exports wines as well.
Any recommendations? I don't know what they are cooking, so I was thinking in a wine that can "agree" with most meals. I know they are not vegetarian so, I'm guessing some animal protein will be served.
My next best option will be bring one from Argentina and one from Chile, close enough? What do you think?
Let's hear the recommendations for Argentinians, Chileans and Uruguayans wine?

[Innkeeper]

Hi Dainymar, and welcome to the Wine Board. The "national" wine of Uruguay is made from the tennat grape from SW France. They (please excuse me Ms Uruguay) haven't produced a wine as good as Madrian from France. As far as Argentina is concerned, they have done great things with their "national" wine, Malbec. You can get good representatives of both these wines from Is-Wine, just off of 2d Av on E. 5th St.

[Thomas]

Thanks IK. At is-wine we have Catamayor (Uruguay) Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Tannat, and Flichman "Argenta" Malbec.



[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 09-05-2002).]

[Dainymar Tapia]

Gracias Inkeeper & Foodie, very helpful info. Unfortunately today I won't have time to go to Is-Wine, and had to settle for a less cosmopolitan store. There I couldn't find anything from Uruguay, and bought a Navarro Correas Malbec 1999. Do you know if it's any good?
Also, my husband and I like a lot the Marquez de Riscal Rioja (several years), but today he bought one from 1981 on $50. Is it worthy? We usually get a bottle of 1997 or 1996 for $16.

[Innkeeper]

I may be wrong, and only tasting will tell, but Rioja is not know for it's aging ability. Presumably your husband brought the wine from a reputable dealer. Let us know how it turned out.