Here in Argentina we seem to have a lot of “despedidas” or parties that signify going away- whether it be on vacation, moving or you are finally tying the knot- the ubiquitous bachelor/ette party.
The definition of Despedida from www.wordreference.com sites it as:
DESPEDIDA
a. (acción) goodbye, farewell (liter)
b. (celebración) farewell party;
regalo de ~ a farewell gift;
~ de soltera/soltero hen/stag night o party
So in honor of Alejandrina Verdaguer, who has been one of The Vines graphic designers for the last 4 years and a constant inspiration, source of laughter and regular blogger, we would like to take the chance to say Salut! She is moving to Costa Rica- apparently the winters were just too long and cold here in Mendoza!
So normal drinks for a depedida tend to include sparkling wines, white wines, of course Malbec and then ALWAYS Fernet Branca con Coca Cola. (Try it- 1/3 Fernet to 2/3 Coke- yummy!)
So as a last tribute to Ale, we tasted through some white wines, testing her sensory skills with Torrontes and Chardonnay. Try some for yourself and see if you can smell the difference between the lightly floral and citric Torrontes to the non oaked, crisp and acidic Chardonnay style as compared to a dense oak and nut filled nose of a Chardonnay that has gone through malolactic fermentation and a year of barrel aging. You will surprise yourself with what you know!
Serve them at your next despedida or just as an excuse to enjoy the last days of summer.
