Something interesting is afoot at local wine retailers. As consumers search for bargains in this time of recession and saving, the mixture of offerings at retail is changing dramatically. While Australian winemakers are upset about this turn of events, as their shelf space shrinks by the minute, the biggest gainers at the moment are the wines of South America, especially Argentina. Argentina's wines are an interesting old world-new world hybrid: they have a unique climate that produces classic European restraint at times and bold American ripeness at others. The high altitudes of the vineyards (most are 2,000-4,700 feet above sea level) allow for great sun exposure at lower temperatures, which leads to softer tannins and more approachable young red wines.

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