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Archive for October, 2011



Springtime in the Vineyard: Shoot thinning in the Uco Valley

Monday, October 31st, 2011

 

It’s springtime here in Mendoza, which means our vines at our Private Vineyard Estates in the Uco Valley are coming out of hibernation and enjoying the mountain sunshine! We are also busy in the vineyard planting new vineyards as well as maintaining our owner’s established vineyards.

After pruning all of the vineyards during winter, the vines are now properly positioned to concentrate their energies on the spurs that remain. Overall throughout the year, we want to make sure that we optimize sunshine and right now, shoot thinning is important to create proper air- circulation amongst the vines as well as remove any shoots that will not bear fruit. These “just beginning to flower” vines can then concentrate all of their efforts on fewer shoots which will then achieve greater sugar and flavor concentration for the future grapes.

It is an exciting time of year for us at The Vines of Mendoza, as the vineyards start to develop their full canopy and transform the dramatic landscape into beautifully manicured vineyards.

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What to Drink in Argentina—The Traveler’s Checklist, Bottom’s Up!

Friday, October 28th, 2011

Now that you have a starter list on foods to eat in Argentina, here are the drinks to accompany! Everyone knows (or should know) about Argentina’s delicious wines. Argentina has long been one of the world’s biggest producers and consumers of wine. In fact, Argentina is the fifth largest producer of wine and just surpassed neighbor competitor Chile in wine exports last year. Argentineans also consume an impressive amount of wine. Argentina is the third largest consumer of the fruit of the vine,  just behind Italy and France. As an interesting comparison, Argentina consumes more than five times the amount of wine per capita as does the United States (10.5 gallons per capita in Argentina versus just 2.00 gallons per head in the United States). (Source: International Wine Club, 2011)

Malbec & Torrontes wine: These are two wines that immediately come to mind when thinking about Argentina. Mendoza, of course, specializes in the native-French varietal of Malbec, whereas the Northern region of Salta claims the best Torrontes. As New York Times journalist Eric Asimov wrote about Argentina’s rising star, the Malbec, “Malbecs’ emphasis on soft, ripe fruitiness over more polarizing flavors and their velvety textures make them safe and reliable for people who may be unsure of their tastes.” In addition, Torrontes has made its way into the wine scene as a refreshingly aromatic white wine that’s easy to drink with moderate acidity and smooth texture and mouthfeel. Stop by The Vines to try a little of both or consider taking home the Argentine starter kit.

Fernet con Cola (Fernet with Coca-Cola): Fernet, an Italian aperitif made of fermented grapes and bitter herbs, is a common favorite for Argentinians. While the dark, syrupy liquid is certainly an acquired taste (we recommend you try it at least three times before writing it off), it also is a medical wonder, curing the worst of stomacheaches. Fernet Branca is by far the most popular brand.

Gancia: A sweet Italian aperitif used in cocktails at bars and clubs, a Gancia Batida can be a light, refreshing drink to start the night.

Mate: A strong tea made from dried leaves known as yerba. It’s drank from a gourd (called a mate) through a metal straw with a filter on the end called the bombilla. It serves as the basis of social interaction and people drink it at any of the day, passing it from person to person. It’s often extended to strangers as a welcoming gesture. It can be considered rude to turn down a mate invitation so keep an open mind and feel very welcome if it’s offered. The photo accompanying this blog post shows friends sharing a traditional mate.

Quilmes: The most popular beer in Buenos Aires since the 1920s, Quilmes is somewhat of a national symbol, and has 75% of the beer market share in Argentina. It sponsors the Argentina national football team, and the colors of its labels are Argentina’s light blue and white.

Andes: My personal favorite of the Argentine beer rivalry, Andes seems to be more popular, of course, near the Andes mountains. It’s known worldwide for its creative advertising—see here.

Café con leche/agua con gas: This perhaps shouldn’t be considered an Argentine beverage, but it’s an interesting custom how café con leche, or coffee with milk, is consistently served with a small glass of carbonated water and often times with a glass of fresh orange juice as well.

Submarino: The ultimate hot chocolate, a submarino is a large glass of hot milk served with a large bar of quality chocolate. Though you may be tempted to eat the chocolate solo, drop the chocolate into the glass for a nice cup of hot chocolate.

So there’s a start to your Argentine beverage list. I hope all of you get the chance to drink some of these national favorites, especially mate, as they mark an important part of Argentine culture. Start your way down the list at The Vines of Mendoza’s Tasting Room or Vinoteca … but when you need a break from wine (it MAY be possible), you will be ready with alternatives. Cheers! Or better yet, Salud!

 

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Coming Soon: The Vines Resort & Spa

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

We are well on our way with The Vines Resort & Spa at our Private Vineyard Estates in the Uco Valley, after having cleared the land and flagged the boundaries. We have been working hard with our architects, the preeminent firm Bormida & Yanzon, architects for most of Argentina’s best wineries, on finalizing all the details and preparing the floorplans and renders. We’ll be pouring the foundations by Christmas!

 

Aerial View- The Vines Resort & Spa

The Vines Resort & Spa Construction site

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Re-living Cabernet Sauvignon!

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

One of the usual questions that I am most frequently asked as a sommelier is: What is your favorite varietal, or favorite wine? The usual answer is I don’t have favorites… I love all wines and grape varietals when they are well made and you can enjoy their grape expression. Terroir often plays an important role here.

For example, Cabernet is very different in the Napa Valley from Cabernet in Argentina. When in Argentina, I would often chose a Malbec over a Cabernet, but in Napa, I chose Cabernet all the time. During my recent visit, I felt I rediscovered this grape in my palate and in my memory. From tasting the berries in Napa, I could tell that it is an environment where the grape shines and that there is great expertise in clones vineyard management and winemaking techniques.

As well as with Malbec in Argentina, with Cabernets in Napa you can enjoy all styles and ranges, from fruit forward and easy to rich bold and unforgettable Cabs!

I would like to share with you some of the Cabernets that were very memorable during my visit in Napa and also some Argentinian Cabernets that are worth to taste.

From Napa, US:

2009 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon US$70

Deep ruby red. Ripe black fruits dominate the aroma – cassis, blackberry, dark spicy notes and classic bell pepper. Red fruits open the palate then a solid dense core of mixed black fruit is detected. Structured tannins that need to be cellared but that you can start enjoying them now with a good food pairing. Nice persistency to the finish.

Robert Parker – 92-95 POINTS, Wine Advocate


2008 Mirror Cabernet Sauvignon- US$145

There is no doubt that as winemaker Rob Lawson explained, he has been able to capture the true flavors and regional character of the varietal by pairing New World technology with traditional techniques. The 2008 Mirror has aromas of blackberries, tobacco, dark fruit and spices.The palate is full with ripe and concentrated blackberries and black cherries. Its balanced acidity delivers a seamless harmony of fruit and tannins that integrate a clean and long lasting finish.

Robert Parker – 91 POINTS, Wine Advocate

2007 Joseph Phelps Insignia US$225

Dark in color. Rich aroma of mineral, baking spices, dark chocolate, graphite, and opulent plum and blackberry lead to a concentrated and balanced mouthfeel. Silky, well structured tannins, core black fruit and sweet oak notes from the estate vineyards create length and weight that will allow this beautiful wine to age, as well as remain approachable in its youth.

Robert Parker – 98 POINTS, Wine Advocate

Bond Quella Cabernet Sauvignon – US$345

A marvelous combination of blueberry liqueur intermixed with violets, earthy tobacco and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, majestically rich wine with a multilayered texture, silky tannins and a phenomenally long finish. Great aging potential.

Robert Parker – 97 POINTS, Wine Advocate

From Mendoza, Argentina:

Paul Hobbs is one example of a winemaker that has been able to showcase Cabernet’s true potential in Argentina. I think there is great opportunity for many other superior Cabernet Sauvignons in Argentina.

2005 BRAMARE MARCHIORI VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Deep garnet in color, this bold, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon boasts intense aromas of blackberry and red cherry. The palate is dense and complex, exploding with flavors of cassis, mocha and tobacco that are richly accented with notes of smoke and earth. The silky mouthfeel is supported by fine, well integrated tannins that persist through the long finish.

Robert Parker – 94 POINTS, Wine Advocate.

2005 COBOS NICO 2005 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Malbec

A vey refined, classic cedar and pencil-shaving nose. The fruit is extremely ripe and silky, but it retains that vigor and muscle. In the palate rich black fruit and well-integrated oak create a perfect balance. Rich and bold tannins together with its good acidity allow you to enjoy a real long finish.

Robert Parker – 98 POINTS, Wine Advocate.

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What to Eat in Argentina – The Traveler’s Checklist

Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

Restaurant Parilla

So you have friends and family visiting or maybe its your first time to Argentina and you want to make sure that you experience the culture to the fullest. Whether it be foods you need to try or things you need to experience, this week I’ll give you a starter list of things you should try before leaving! Of course, I’ll start with food…

Food
Dulce de Leche: The closest food in American culture to dulce de leche is caramel. Of course, dulce de leche is much more delicious and regardless of your sweet tooth, you must try this. You can get your first taste in a variety of ways: buy a jar and eat it on bread or fruit (I recommend green apples), order it as a flavor at an ice cream ship, eat it in an alfajor (see below) or even take an artesan dulce de leche liquor shot.

Alfajor: Two cookies stuck together with gobs of dulce de leche and dipped in white or milk chocolate. You can buy them at any kiosk (convenience store) or stock up in large quantities at the Central Market.

Medialuna and Cafe con Leche: Literally meaning half moon, these sweet croissants are a must for any true Argentinian breakfast.

Helado (Ice cream): Not just any ice cream, but Ferrucio Soppelsa, Perrin or Grido. These three ice cream shops at the intersection of Belgrano and Sarmiento (Grido is at Espejo and Sarmiento) are rival ice cream shops, with Ferrucio Soppelsa being the chain ice cream shop in Mendoza and Perrin being the more traditional family-run ice cream shop. Grido is much smaller with fewer flavors, but certainly worth a visit. Everyone has their favorite. And, if you’re on Sarmiento peatonal, Bian y Nero is a must. You can’t go wrong with any of the flavors, and trying Malbec and Torrontes based flavors is of course a must.

Empanadas: I’ve seen empanadas translated as hot pockets, but I cringe at that comparison. Empanadas are made with much more love and taste a million times better. The traditional criolla empanada is stuffed with ground beef, olives, hard-boiled egg and spices, but other popular choices are ham and cheese (jamon y queso), sweet corn (choclo), four cheese (cuatro quesos), and vegetables (verduras). They are available at nearly every restaurant in town, and you can also purchase at corner bakeries or the organic market to cook yourself.

Steak: This one is a bit obvious, but the list wouldn’t be complete without it. Try it with chimichurri sauce and be prepared for large proportions.

Chorizo: Argentinian sausage that’s usually served at asado barbecues. If invited to an asado, rearrange your schedule to make it for this Argentine culinary experience. Nothing quite like the day long grill-out with friends and slow-cooked beef.

Morcilla and other “weird” cow parts: Morcilla, or blood sausage, will surprise you. It has a great pate-like quality. Give it a try, if not just to tell friends you tried it when traveling.  If you’re feeling adventurous, order a parilla, which generally includes not only traditional cuts such as asado de tira (ribs), vacio, chorizo (beef sausage) and chicken, but also morcilla (blood sausage), molleja (throat), chiculines (intestines), rinones (kidneys) and teta de vaca (cow teat).

Maybe not a meal you should eat on a daily basis...

Milanesas: Breaded and fried meat, similar to schnitzel. Very thinly cut, milanesas can be of veal, chicken, or even soy. Order it a la napolitana and you’ll get it covered in cheese and tomato sauce.

Check back for a suggested to-do list in Mendoza!

Carolyn is a newcomer to Mendoza and the wine industry and will be sharing her experiences as she learns more about both. A recent college graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill, she also teaches English at a local university.

 

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Discovering Napa Valley

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

After an amazing weekend in San Francisco, I finally headed to the Napa Valley. Soon after I crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, my heart started beating faster, not only because I could start enjoying the breathtaking views, but because I could see the first vines!

As you travel in this scenic area, you are almost always in view of a vine covered mountain or valley. Yountville was our first stop and I had the sensation I had arrived to THE perfect wine world. Restaurants, décor, perfect vines … a nearly perfect picturesque villa. We made a quick stop at Bottega, which I highly recommend, and headed to Chandon where we stopped to soothe our growing thirst and excitement.A cool glass of sparkling while lying on the grass and letting the bright sun warm our shoulders was a real treat for the senses and a true welcome to my wine trip.

Being my first time in Napa I was excited to discover this wine region. As Mendoza, it is consider to be part of the New World. So, being there, I could find the similarities in this classification, but it is very easy to find the differences as well.

In terms of geography, Mendoza doesn’t look a bit like Napa Valley. Napa looks much more as the wine regions in Chile, with vine covered hills and low altitude. Mendoza is about ten times bigger than the Napa Valley. However, despite its modest size, the Napa Valley is a region of enormous soil and topographical diversity. Vineyards are planted on the fertile valley floor, on the bench lands above the river, and on the thinner poor soils of the mountainsides.

The climate is quite different than Mendoza, as well. Napa, which gets a substantial amount of rain in the winter but almost none in the summer, is very hot in the summer. Mendoza does not have ANY rain in winter, and is actually is one of the driest wine regions on the planet. The other critical aspect to the terroir diversity of Napa is the effect of the ocean. As the Napa Valley is a warm, sunny region, the cooling fog that the hot Central Valley pulls in from the cold Pacific waters creates many different microclimates and is fundamental to moderating the warm temperatures. Mendoza has a climate that is 100% continental, with very warm summers and very cool winters and a very bright sun all year round!

In general terms, wineries from both regions share the same winemaking techniques. There is a sense of speaking the same wine language since in Mendoza and in Napa you talk of varietals more than appellations and the style of wines is quite similar. When tasting the wines you can better perceive these similarities. In many Cabernets, for example, I felt the same grandness you find in many of our Malbecs!

I’ll share more with you on my discovery of Cabernets from the region in my next post. Until then, salud!

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Oktoberfest in Argentina?

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

Yesterday wrapped up the final day of Oktoberfest in Villa General Belgrano (VGB) in the province of Cordoba. While Mendoza obviously touts the fine wines, sometimes it’s nice to take a break for a cold pint. Oktoberfest, also known as La Fiesta Nacional de Cerveza (National Beer Festival), is in VGB is for two weekends every year. The first weekend, September 30th, has a more calm atmosphere as the town gets warmed up for the long holiday weekend. Then the hoards of Argentinians and tourists alike swarm the quaint little German town for beer, beer and more beer.

But, let’s not forget all of the other wonderful aspects of VGB and German culture. There’s the German food, such as Brezn (pretzels), Spätzle (noodles) and all different types of wurst (sausages). There was even beer flavored ice cream. There’s also the traditional German outfits that performers and residents don for this special time of the year. As for performances, there’s pretty much always a dance troupe on stage at the Oktoberfest and if you get there in time, you can see the Oktoberfest queen crowned on the first Friday.

At the festival, everyone buys a beer stein the size of their choice to fill up at the stands. You can even buy a strap to hang the stein by your side. Then comes the difficult decision on what to drink. There are a few large beer companies who sponsor the Oktoberfest, so their beers are obviously readily accessible. However, you can get some great artesanal beers as well. Most of the artesanal beer makers have a blonde (rubia), a red (roja) and a dark beer (negra). I also saw a strawberry beer as well as a few honeys. Antares, as well as Homer Simpson’s Duff beer, were present at the festival. If you want to learn all you can about artesanal beer, there’s a daily tour through one of the breweries on the main avenue.

To get to the Oktoberfest, you can of course drive, but if you’re without a car, you must take a bus from Mendoza to Rio Cuarto and then take a Lep bus from Rio Cuarto to VGB. I, for example, took a seven hour bus to Rio Cuarto and then a three hour Lep bus to Villa General Belgrano. It’s quite a long journey so I would recommend getting a group of friends together and renting a cabin for the weekend.

Jerome Brewery, in El Salto in Potrerillos, also hosted an Oktoberfest celebration this year on October 8th and 9th. More than 500 people attended the celebration this year, just an hour and a half outside the city of Mendoza.

Whether you are celebrating October with a glass of beer or bottle of wine – salud!

Carolyn is a newcomer to Mendoza and the wine industry and will be sharing her experiences as she learns more about both. A recent college graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill, she also teaches English at a local university.

 

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Winemakers Night with Mairena

Friday, October 7th, 2011

 

Monica Blanco, Rudolfo Menissi, Gabriel Blanco, Ricardo Menissi

The Vines of Mendoza hosts Winemaker’s Night every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. so wine aficionados can learn more about the history, techniques and vision of local wineries. Hosted in the outdoor patio tasting room, Argentinians and passing tourists alike can enjoy tasting some of the best local wines with the winemakers themselves. This past Wednesday, Gabriel and Mónica Blanco, who own and produce Mairena wines were our special guests, along with oenologists Rudolfo and Ricardo Menissi.

The Mairena Story: The Blanco Family is a full-fledged family winery. Of Spanish descent, the Blanco family wine production involves three generations, including Gabriel and Mónica and their five sons and daughters. In fact, the winery’s label Mairena comes straight from the family. Mónica Blanco wanted to name her fifth child Mairena, which is actually the name of a small pueblo in Southern Spain near the Sierra Nevadas. However, unlike other countries in which you can name your child whatever you like, Argentina only allows parents to name their child if the name is listed in a “permitted names book.” Unfortunately for the Blancos, Mairena had to be discarded. However, when they were considering the name for the wine label, they decided on Mairena because “they would take care of the wine like a child.”

Although the winery took up the family grape-growing tradition in the 1980s, it wasn’t until 2005 that the family was able to realize their dream of bottling their own wines. Starting with Malbec and Bonarda in 2005, Sauvignon Blanc in 2007, Torrontes in 2009, the family uses all of their own grapes except for the white Torrontes grapes they buy from Cafayate.

Winemaking Process: The family is in the process of constructing their own winery expected to be completed by 2012. All of the fields are located in Ugarteche, Lujan de Cuyo, which borders Valle de Uco, separated only by a hill between Lujan and Tupungato. This proximity gives the Mairena wines similar qualities to wines from Valle de Uco.

Ugarteche has an average height of 970 m, above sea level. The soil is sandy loam and its uneven nature favors isolation, which makes the land and excellent place for planting grapes. Additionally, the micro climate has a wide temperature, reaching 30 degrees Celsius during the day and dropping to 15 degrees Celsius at night. The winery uses a drip irrigation system and anti-hail nets.

Wine Tasting:

Mairena Torrontes 2011: It’s been just two years since the family began producing Torrontes from white wine grapes from Cafayate, Salta. This wine is expressive, explosive and fruity with a pale green and silver color. $38 pesos/$12 US dollars

Mairena Sauvignon Blanc 2011: A lemon-green color,  this Sauvignon is fresh and agreeable in the mouth and has fresh aroma notes of pineapple, grass, and citric fruits. It was noted during the tasting that is has a hint of ruda, which is commonly recognized in Sauvignon Blancs. Ruda is an Argentinean plant with a strong odor. In fact, the family says that it only ripens its Sauvignon Blanc grapes 80% so the wine will not lose its citric notes to this strong scent. With a short finish, this light and lively wine would pair well with sushi, ceviche, cheeses or enjoyed as an aperitif. $38 pesos/$12 US dollars

Mairena Malbec 2010:  A beautiful violet color, this Malbec maintains red fruit and plum primary colors as its complimented with secondary aromas of chocolate, coffee and cinnamon. Very delicate with smooth tannins that fill the mouth. Oak staves are inserted into the wine to create this elegant and feminine Malbec.~$45 pesos/$15 US dollars

Mairena Bonarda 2010: A deep violet characteristic of the Bonarda varietal, this wine has aroma hints of red fruits and blackberries as well as coffee and tobacco. As a single varietal, this Bonarda has lots of potential. $19 US dollars

Mairena Blend Reserve (30% Bonarda, 70% Malbec): When the family began making their own wine in 2005, Gabriel wanted to differentiate his family’s winery by focusing on Bonarda. The Menissi brothers insisted on taking advantage of Argentina’s powerhouse Malbec grape. So they decided to do both. This blend captures the family’s two opening stars with cherry and plum notes from the Malbec and raspberries from the Bonarda. Complex, balanced and pleasant with a slight sweet flavor and mild tannins. $90 pesos/ $39 U.S. dollars

Interesting Fact: Adding to the family bodega concept, Mairena’s two oenologists, Rudolfo and Ricardo Menissi, are brothers.

Winemaker Quotation: “You have to make what the market demands. But you also have to provide high quality,” said Gabriel Blanco.

Winemaker Night at The Vines of Mendoza Tasting Room | 7-9pm every Wednesday | $40 pesos  

 

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Wine & Tango Festival Wraps Up in Mendoza

Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

As quickly as September came and went, so did Mendoza’s Annual Wine and Tango Festival. The event, held September 16-18 and September 23-25, is officially called Tangos por Los Caminos del Vino and explores two of Argentina’s most emblematic passions. It is organized by Bodegas de Argentina, Secretarías de Turismo y Cultura del Gobierno de Mendoza and Great Wine Capitals.

“This festival gives us a chance to showcase Mendoza’s excellent wines, in addition to giving people the opportunity to get out and visit the wineries,” said Luifer Torres, an associate at Bodegas de Argentina, whose company represents and unifies more than 220 Argentinean wineries. ”Our company is proud to support two of Argentina’s most important pastimes.”

On the final weekend of Tangos por Los Caminos del Vino, I had the chance to attend an evening affair at the Hotel Intercontinental Wine Bar, and Norton Winery on the following Sunday morning. It was interesting to compare the two events as they both had unique atmospheres.

Hotel Intercontinental: Dúo Elbi Olalla & Victoria Di Raimondo gave a passionate performance, singing a collection of tango songs while a couple danced. The hotel served guests Kaiken Malbec, one of my favorite wines, and overall, the one-hour event was quite formal. I was very happy to see two strong females not only singing the lead for tango, but also playing the piano, which is somewhat rare in Latino society.

Norton Winery: On a bright Sunday morning, my friends and I headed out to Norton winery in Lujan de Cuyo. The winery started the morning with individual mini-bottle of champagne as they band warmed up and guests sat outside with the beautiful vineyard surrounding us. The affair had more of a feel like a comfortable Sunday brunch–beautiful weather, scenery, people and food. Then the band, Colectivo Tango began to play a more modern style of tango. I stared in amazement as two couples danced on a small stage, gracefully gliding carelessly and seamlessly. The winery also hosted a fashion show to showcase a local designer’s work.

The festival was well worth attending, and one I hope to experience again in the future.

 

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