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 flags, and start experiencing natural light again. It was one of the most unpredictable tournaments in years with many of the favourites making an early bow, most notable absentees from the final eight were France, Italy and England. South America seemed to be flying high at this stage but hot favourites Brazil and Argentina fell at the final furlong leaving a pan-European clash for the last game. 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 occurring in the Wine trade however with some really vibrant, new creations coming out of countries like Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Mexico right now. Chile in particular is producing some sterling Reds, the grapes grow in rich, fertile soil on the high altitude vineyards of the Maipo and Raphel Valleys. Just like their brave, youthful squad who gave Spain a real fright 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 squad are widely regarded as one of the best in the world, while their wine producing abilities may not live up to that glorious accolade at present, they have all the right ingredients to be one of the major industry movers and shakers in the very near future. Just as their team consists of a vast reserve of individual talent, the featherlight touch of Messi, the eagerness and power of Tevez, their Vineyards posses desirable 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!

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