The Vines of Mendoza | Blog

Archive for May, 2009

Good Time to Buy Vineyards In Argentina- The New Conquistadors

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

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The Vines of Mendoza Private Vineyard Estates was recently profiled in an article by Gideon Long in Englands, The Independant.

If you are a hobbyist wine lover that has always thought to own your own vineyard, Argentina, and specifically the Uco Valley is where is it at. The US dollar is strong, the land and terroir is world class, and the opportunity is unlimited. Don’t worry that you have no experience in wine but just an ingrained passion, The Vines offers a complete turnkey alternative in a country with spectacular scenery, amazing culture, and the best beef in the world!

Visit www.vinesofmendoza.com/private_vineyard/ for more information.

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“How many people, at some point, have idly dreamt of owning a vineyard and producing their own wine? Somewhere in Tuscany or La Rioja perhaps, somewhere sun-kissed and picturesque. For most, the dream remains just that, but for some, it is becoming an increasingly affordable reality, not in Europe, where land in the prestigious wine-producing regions remains expensive, but 7,000 miles away in Argentina.”

“The early signs are promising. Vines of Mendoza produced its first harvest this year and the grapes were so good that Nicolas Catena, a doyen of the Argentine wine industry, bought most of them for his own use. Mr Achaval has also used part of the harvest in his 2009 Quimera blend, likely to be one of Argentina’s most highly regarded vintages.”

For the entire article visit The Independant.



Restaurant Review: Ocho Cepas

Friday, May 15th, 2009

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The new beautifully appointed Ocho Cepas restaurant is located right down the street from The Vines of Mendoza Tasting Room in downtown Mendoza, Argentina.  The building has been lovingly refurbished and exemplifies the historic colonial architecture that can be found throughout Mendoza. The stained glass windows and cozy atmosphere creates the feeling you are in the chef’s home. Opened by Argentine chef Max Casa, who has a long history of gastronomy in Mendoza, he currently runs the Instituto de Gastronomia, and previously had his own local television show. His menu highlights local fresh ingredients and has the classic “carne” focus, as most restaurants in Argentina. However I was very pleasantly surprised by the presence of fish, which because of the low cultural demand tends to be in short supply, or non-existent, on any regional menu.

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Fall colors in Mendoza

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

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After all the grapes are in the barrels and most of the tourists have gone home, the Fall colors come out in Mendoza…. I took these last Saturday morning at the vineyard and just down the street (in front of the Posada del Jamon).



The Vines wines tasting notes

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Serrera Syrah 2007 | u$ 21
A Syrah with an impressive appearance highlighted by dashes of violet. Aromas are fruit forward and complex opening to a spicy palate replete with red stone fruit, notably plum and cherry. The elegant finish lingers beautifully.

Carmelo Patti Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 | u$ 42
Right from the first glance this wine stands out. The color is a light garnet, the aromas earthy with hints of green pepper. On the palate there is a lightness of body that does not detract from a mouth-coating texture. The bright, pure fruit character of the wine leads to an endless finish, leaving you crying out for food.

Ala Negra Malbec Reserva 2006 | u$ 25
This wine overflows with the concentrated aromas of ripe dark fruit like plumb and rhubarb. The lushly textured palate has essences of tea, and a satisfying, dusky finish. It is round on the palate, easy to drink, and great for a dinner party!

Lindaflor Malbec 2004 | u$ 49
Brilliant intense red color with reflections of purple. Complex aromas of ripe plums and anise, black pepper and subtle notes of nutmeg. Good body, well structured and harmonized. A silky finish in the mouth.

Laborum Tannat 2005 | u$49
Deep garnet in color, the intriguing combination of chalk, red flower and green herb aromas mingle in the glass with distinctiveness and intensity. This Tannat has the chalky tannins of a Cabernet Sauvignon but the fruit explosion in the mouth of a Malbec. The core of black cherry fruit is smooth on the palate and accompanied by prominent tannins and alovely texture and finish.



WOO HOO!! It’s WINE WEDNESDAY!

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

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The Vines of Mendoza is jumping on the digital bandwagon (ok, so I have become a twitter addict) and are now offering special wines every Wednesday just for the day, just for our followers. (We love followers).

We will be posting Mariana Onofri’s Behind the Bottle selections every Wednesday and will be posting the selections on Facebook and Twitter, so become a fan today and check back every Wednesday!

Facebook: The Vines of Mendoza
Twitter: vinesofmendoza, Michael Evans

Don’t be afraid of twitter, I know that it may seem inane and a bit overwhelming, but think of it like a real time news feed, direct from Mendoza, direct from The Vines. We promise only to update you with interesting anecdotes and news that pertain to the Argentine Wine Industry, happenings at The Vines, and developments at our Private Vineyard Estates in the Uco Valley, Mendoza.

And no, you don’t have to worry about accepting friends, have us stalk you, or need to constantly update your profile, it will be a perfect relationship…you just have to follow our lead and drink the best Argentine Wines!

This weeks Behind the Bottle Special:

Ricominciare Cabenet Franc – Malbec 2006

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Varietal Composition: Cabernet Franc 40% – Malbec 60%
Vineyard: Finca San Vicente, Valle de uco, La Consulta, Mendoza.
Altitude: 900 mts./ 2.953 feet
Alcohol: 14º
Production: 8,064 bottles
This wine, made from grapes grown 2,953 feet above sea level, is only lightly filtered to leave the pure essence of the land in the bottle. This fresh wine has distinctive hints of freshly cut grass in its bouquet. The refreshing herbaceuosness of Cabernet Franc is perfectly softened out by rich spicy Malbec grapes.



Winemaker’s Night with Domain St. Diego

Monday, May 11th, 2009



Winter is showing in Mendoza and our editions of Winemaker’s night have come to an end until September, when we will be able to enjoy beautiful warm evenings in our patio again.

A memorable Winery put an end to the first edition of Winemaker’s Night 2009: Domaine St. Diego.

Domain St. Diego is one of the most picturesque wineries in Lulunta, Maipu. A winery with a lot of charm and personality. Ángel Mendoza, the owner and oenologist, is a local wine celebrity. Angel and his family have focused their attention on small harvests from only their best vines in order to produce a limited production of quality wines.

I would love to share with you a small conversation I had with him.

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Links of the week !!!!

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

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Malbec: the most popular wine in US

Sauce: Argentine wines
Where’s best for cheap good-quality wines? Why, Argentina of course…

Cantina Argentina at the London International Wine Fair