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Vendimia festivities in Mendoza

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Vendimia has descended on Mendoza- full of color, festivities, food and of course ubiquitous Argentine wine! It is an amazing time of year with festivals in the plazas, music, dancing and everyone in good spirits. This also marks the first year that a train has run from Buenos Aires to Mendoza in 16 years! 400 passengers loaded up to make the run and enjoy the Vendimia festivities!

From the perspective of a North American, I am always giddy with delight by the cultural differences and how much I love Vendimia. For example:

In the parades, each float, hence each queen, represents a different fruit/vegetable/wine which they throw into the crowds during the Via Blanca and Carusel parades through the streets of Mendoza. Imagine flying melons!

The queens seeming obsession with blue makeup, and possibly 80’s metal band hairstyles

You should definitely not miss the billboards of each of the regions queens- classic Olan Mills pin up girls

The plaza festivals- full of music, food, and fun

The Vendimia festival- a perfect excuse for 3 days of fireworks, not to mention the Vendimia show itself.

This year they have already crowned the queen from the Santa Rosa Province, the lovely reina, or queen, below. It is a bit like the Miss America pagent for those familiar with the roles and selection process. For more information check out this article in Spanish from Diario Los Andes.

Now comes the hard part- the real grape harvest!

Posted in Experiences, Life in Mendoza, Photos | No Comments »


The Chilean Wine Industry After the Earthquake

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Last Friday many of us here in Mendoza were woken by the earthquake that hit the coast of Chile and then dispated across the Andes, but still resonated for about a minute and a half in Mendoza city. There was no damage in Mendoza, however we would send our best wishes to our companeros in Chile, especially as we are entering the harvest and there was significant damage to many wineries. We have received word from friends and collegues in Chile and we wanted to share some of their insights as well as provide  information if you would like to donate to help those in need.

This is an update from Liz Caskey who is based in Santiago, Chile

Eatwineblog.com

Dear Friends and Family,

I want to truly thank you for your continued support during these tough times in Chile. It has been so wonderful to hear from you all through calls and e-mail as Chile deals with the aftermath of the quake. We appreciate your prayers and thoughts.

To give you an update, now 5 days from Saturday’s devastating events, things in Santiago are thankfully normal, as in much of the country. As you know, with Chile’s long geography, the majority of the country is functioning perfectly normal with the exception of the affected areas within 100 miles of the Concepción area and the coastline hit by the tsunami. While the news images continue to show looting, please know that the military, Red Cross, and many volunteers have already arrived with food, water, and aid. Electricity and communications are being restored as we speak to these areas. This Friday, there is a huge drive, Teletón, raise millions of dollars to provide temporary housing for every family who lost their home. There is a sense of real solidarity here. The of light of hope has appeared for these people. The next huge step is reconstruction.

The wine industry here did suffer some serious losses of inventory and damage to facilities, mostly in the regions of the Maule, Curicó, and some areas of Colchagua. Others escaped completely unscraped. I will be posting later this week with a full update since many of you have asked. It is a complex situation since harvest is due to start any day and vintners trying to manage where they will make the 2010 vintage in some cases.

Many of you have also requested information on how you can contribute to the rebuilding efforts in Chile. Beyond the Red Cross, which is for aiding relief efforts, we suggest these three ways.

1.   Travel to Chile

If you have traveled to Chile, have a trip scheduled here, or know people that do, please encourage friends, family, and colleagues to still come. Refer them to my blog, where I directly addressed this issue yesterday. The images the media is “exporting” and messages the US State Department issuing are harmful for the country in the long term and can impact its tourism. The information they are providing is simply not accurate since many people do not understand the country’s geography and where the quake is contained. They stick all of Chile in the disaster boat and this is completely false. Chile is operative and normal in ALL areas minus the above-mentioned affective area. We have had clients on wine tours this week and heading to points in Patagonia with zero problems or alterations. Don’t let TV paranoia ruin what makes Chile so wonderful. Help spread the word.

2.   Support Local Business & Reconstruction

Our business has started a direct initiative to support a local non-profit foundation with a school and organic farm we visit with our tours to channel funds to families affected by the quake both locally and in the south. We are donating a significant portion of the proceeds from our Eat Wine Santiago guide, a food & drink e-guide to the capital. Please help our efforts by purchasing this e-guide. Ask your family and friends to help too. Even if you/they don’t plan on coming to Santiago, Eat Wine Santiago includes a great wine list, insight into Chile’s food/wine culture, will directly contribute to reconstruction efforts in Chile, and seriously, costs less than a dinner for one or a bottle of decent wine. We also will be offering free updates for the first two editions for friends, family, and colleagues who may have Chile on the horizon in the future. Click here for more information.

Please feel free to e-mail me directly at liz@lizcaskey.com with any questions you may have.

Un abrazo cariñoso,

Liz & Team

TO DONATE

For those in the US or Northern Hemisphere click here for options and agencies like the Red Cross. Or just text from your phone:

The Mobile Giving Foundation has launched a text messaging campaign for micro donations, and the four major U.S. mobile carriers, Verizon, At&T, Sprint and T-mobile, have waived text messaging fees for donations.

1. Text the word “CHILE” to 25383 to donate $10 on behalf of the Habitat for Humanity

2. Text the word “CHILE” to 20222 to donate $10 on behalf of World Vision

3. Text the word “CHILE” to 52000 to donate $10 on behalf of the Salvation Army

4. Text the word “CHILE” to 85944 to donate $10 on behalf of International Medical Corp. that include texting from your phone

If you are in Mendoza/ Si esta en Mendoza y quiere donar:

Cómo hacer para colaborar con los damnificados , según lo que dicen los
diarios.

13:04 | Mendoza | Enterate de los puntos de recolección y los números de
cuenta donde podés ayudar desde Mendoza.
02 de marzo de 2010

El ministro de Desarrollo Humano y Comunidad, Carlos Ciurca, informó esta
mañana que dentro de pocos días partirán los primeros camiones hacia Chile
con los elementos aportados por la comunidad de Mendoza. Además, viajarán 15
rescatistas y un médico.

Las formas de colaborar son varias: con ropa de invierno, frazadas, carpas,
agua o alimentos no perecederos, además de dinero.

Puntos de recolección de elementos, alimentos y agua:
Gran Mendoza: Ministerio de Seguridad: Salta 672 de Godoy Cruz, 8 a 18.
San Rafael: Libertador 47, sede administrativa del Gobierno de Mendoza.
Malargüe: Ruta 40 y Jorge Newbery, sede de Gendarmería Nacional.

Para donar dinero:
En pesos: Cuenta del Banco Regional de Cuyo Nº 11801900020638.
En dólares: Cuenta del Banco Regional de Cuyo Nº 11803800020105.

También se puede donar a
http://www.untechoparachile.cl

esta bueno porque se puede hacer con tarjeta de crédito que es mas fácil para todos.
http://www.cruzroja.cl

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND ARTICLES

Chile Says Rebuilding May Cost Tens of Billions of Dollars- New York Times

Quake stops production for biggest Chile winemaker- Associated Press

Chilean Wine Industry Damaged by Quake- The Pour NYT

Powerful Earthquake Rocks Chilean Wine Industry- Wine Spectator

Posted in In the News, Life in Mendoza | No Comments »


The Vines First Day of Harvest

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

The Cosecha is underway at The Vines Private Vineyard Estates in the Uco Valley today. We are harvesting Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay for our owners that planted in 2007! It looks like a great harvest and currently they have picked around 2,000 kilos. Below are some photos from this morning’s harvest!

Posted in In the News, Private Vineyard Estates | 1 Comment »


The Vines Fabulous Food and Wine Pairings

Friday, February 19th, 2010

So as a continuation of my conversation with Langdon Doty, we decided to put into action our food and wine pairings. It was really interesting what the results ended up being, which goes to show you need to taste and learn as you go, there are no “rules and regulations” necessarily when it comes to food and wine pairings. We played a bit with the sauces, the textures and the wines. We ended up tasting the following recipes with mix and match of the Lurton Flor de Torrontes, the Mairena Sauvignon Blanc, the Lorca Viognier, the Las Perdices Pinot Grigio and the Pulenta Estate Chardonnay.

Here are the results and cooking commentary from Langdon:

Salmon Tartare

The idea with the food pairings is to bring out the natural tropical fruit and citrus flavors and to offer a counterpoint to the crisp acidity of the wine with something sweeter and creamier

I added soy and two different citrus flavors (lemon and lime – both the juice and the rind) – this will highlight the aromatic tropical flavors – adding the sweetness of cucumbers and the creaminess of avocado should even out the acidic finish of the wine and harmonize the pairing – that is the theory.

Wine Winner: without spicy sauce Mairena Sauvignon Blanc, with spicy sauce Puleta Chardonnay

Beer Battered Coconut Shrimp

By deep frying the shrimp in a coconut beer batter we are adding the sweetness of the coconut and shrimp and cutting the acidity of the wine with some fat.  the dipping sauce is slightly creamy, sweet, sour, tart, pungent, and spicy at the same time which should theoretically enhance the tropical notes of the wine and balance out the acity as well.  am looking forward to this one.

Wine Winner: Las Perdices Pinot Grigio

And for the rest of you we challenge you to do your own parings with this succulent selection! Send us your Malbec, Malbec blend or varietal selection that you think would be best!- emily@vinesofmendoza and langdoty@gmail.com

Curry Porkchops with Strawberry Pineapple Salsa

the curry will be subtle but will harmonize with the sweet pork and, with its many spices, it should pop the fruit out of the wine. the salsa should explode the fruit of the wine with its sweet tart pineapple strawberry notes and, blended with the richness of the pork should really round out the wine

lets see what happens!

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Malbec is Just Straight Sexy

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Why Malbec?

Malbec has become the drink that quality-focused yet cost-savvy wine drinkers turn to. Here’s why:

Malbec is just straight sexy. It has become the wine world’s darling of the moment for good reason, converting more and more enthusiasts by the day.

Starting with the succulent fruit that is inherent to Argentina’s Malbec, it elevates this Bordeaux blending varietal as a star all on its own. It has rampaged across all price categories with consistency and providing tremendous value for the price while gaining traction in an global economic climate that can be referred to as difficult, at best. In fact, imports of Argentinean wine in the United States have jumped 39% in the first 6 months of 2009 and is now gaining increased market share across the world.

Why is Malbec so hot?
In a country that is synonymous with gauchos, beef and tango, it couldn’t be anything but sexy. Think European flair with a rustic, enigmatic twist and you will find Malbec. The Argentine’s have guarded their cultural traditions closely, including siesta, family asados every Sunday and late night revelry. Opening a bottle of Malbec is an invitation to travel around the world and experience the culture and lifestyle yourself.

So whats in the glass? Malbec offers the best of high altitude wine characteristics, including intense fruit, the ability to blend with other varietals, and the adaptability to be brought to market early with lush easy drinking characteristics, or as a classic aged wine full of delicate layers, oak and fruit tannins.

The future…
Malbec has a bright future as it not only delivers quality consistently but has many different personalities. The premium wine industry is still in its infancy in Argentina and surely we will see increased technological and winemaking advances over the next few years. Malbec is the wine of the moment and will continue to capture people’s imaginations and tastebuds in the future. Argentine Malbec is here to stay!

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1337 Wine Video Reviews- Bressia Taste Live Wines

Friday, February 12th, 2010

In continuation of our Taste Live with Walter Bressia,  MarkV Fusco of 1337wine.com in San Antonio TX couldn’t attend but now you can watch his lively banter and interesting comments as he reviews and rates the 3 wines that we tasted a few weeks ago.

So to give you a little background- 1337 Wine is your leet wine resource-a journey of expanding and improving the palette palate and nose. Wines reviewed are typically $10 or less and is a good resource for study material for those looking to delve much deeper into wine, spirits, beer, cigars, and service – everything the aspiring Sommelier needs. Mark is studying to be a sommelier so if you ever thought about going through with your wine dreams or just want to be about to spout “Sommy” vocabulary at adept points in dinner and cocktail parties, you can follow along and get a real time version of the experience.
Here he explains the concept and what a Leet is- “leet speak” (aka elite speak) numbers can be used to represent letters. In this case, 1 = L, 3 = E, 7 = T – LEET. If you watch Episode 1 I briefly explain what happened. Here I will go into a little more depth. I saw a wine bottle at an angle that had “337″ on it. I thought it might have been “1337.” Unfortunately it was just 337. So I decided that to call a wine 1337 would be epic and geeks from far and wide would buy it. I immediately went to Go Daddy to buy that domain. For a couple months I tried to figure out what I was going to do with this domain. The idea of doing wine reviews came to mind since it would be a long time before I could afford to create 1337 as a wine. I then remembered that I was also going to do a blog called “Sommelier in Training.” That never got off the ground. So here you see all my wine website ideas in one place. Hopefully, one day, you will be able to buy 1337 Wine in a store near you. Until then……”

So thank you Mark for your reviews- we look forward to more from you!

2007 Monteagrelo Syrah- 91 point range

“Sweet with some smokiness…its real interesting. Earthiness, with dusty, dirty and fruit.”

2006 Bressia Profundo-90 points

“smooth, real silky, cherries, chocolate, an elegant wine…a wine I could just sit and drink this wine”

2005 Urraca Familia Langley- 93 points

“Outstanding- there is a ton of stuff going on”

“Dust,chocolate, sweetness from red fruits…it just feels juicy.”

Posted in In the News, Tasting Notes | 1 Comment »


Rumors of a Mendoza Supper Club?

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Not only is Mendoza experiencing a wine renaissance with increased wine tourism and more and more wine offerings, but there is also a gastronomic renaissance occurring. Argentines and especially Mendocinos are hardliners when it comes to food- they don’t tend to deviate much from the staples- asado, pasta, empanadas, and pizza (which may or may not make you question their Italian heritage).

However over the last two years or so, Mendocinos are opening up- we now have 3 sushi restaurants, rather shocking to be honest. But food tends to go hand in hand with fine wine, so now we are starting to see more interesting food creations.

SECRET SUPPER CLUB?

One of The Vines friends and sometimes videographer, Langdon Doty, has witnessed this transformation and would like to take it one step further- a secret supper club! At various times during the month he will put on an amazing impromptu gourmet meal for tourists and locals alike based on different wines and his creative culinary whims.

I suggested that he test his skills with the wines we tasted at last night’s winemaker night with Finca Sophenia (http://www.sophenia.com/).  This is what he came up with and my mouth is already watering, I can’t wait for the actual meal!

For more information about the Mendoza Supper Club or for any of these recipes contact Langdon at langdoty@gmail.com

(more…)

Posted in Experiences, Life in Mendoza, Tasting Notes | No Comments »


Degustación Especial Italo – Argentina – MASI

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Degustación Especial Italo-Argentina

Degustación Especial Italo – Argentina

Dott. Sandro Boscaini y Enólogo Andrea Dal Cin presentando bodega Masi
Descubriremos las diferencias entre el terroir de sus vinos en Italia y Argentina

Jueves 18 de Febrero 19 hs | $70 pesos | Incluye degustación de vinos y maridaje de tapas

Cupos limitados – Sólo con reservas
Espejo 567 – Mendoza – Tel. 438-1031
events@vinesofmendoza.com

VINOS ITALIANOS        VINOS ARGENTINOS
Masianco Bianco         Passo Blanco
Campofiorin               Passo Doble
Costasera Amarone     Corbec



Posted in Vines Events | No Comments »


Argentine Superbowl Sunday

Monday, February 8th, 2010

So right up there with American holidays like 4th of July and Labor Day is Superbowl Sunday… and here in Argentina a way to teach the Argentines that there is, in fact, a different type of “football,” or as wikipedia states futbol americano.

For the Americans, it is the perfect excuse to gorge on our favorite “gringo” dishes- nachos, buffalo wings, pizza, 7 layer dip. This, however, is not common as you might think as it is often hard to find all of the ingredients to these delectable delights- certain items are at a premium and are held only for special holidays such as these.

Not to be outdone, Alejandrina came with the Argentine version of a “football empanada.”

Of course paired it with Argentina’s finest, some Mounier Torrontes and of course Andes beer, one of the local favorites.

For the empanada recipe email Alejandrina at alejandrina@vinesofmendoza.com

For fun Superbowl facts like these click here:

  • 232: Number of countries and territories in which the game will be broadcast.
  • 34: Number of languages the game is broadcast in.
  • 1: Number of languages in which the word “football” doesn’t mean “soccer.”
  • 28 million: Pounds of potato chips consumed.
  • 11.8: Depth, in feet, of guacamole consumed if it were spread across the football field.

So however you spent your Superbowl Sunday, we hope you spent it with good friends and good wines.

Posted in Life in Mendoza | No Comments »


Tweets from Last Week’s “Virtual Tasting”

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Last Thursday we held The Vines of Mendoza’s first “virtual” tasting event with Walter Bressia and we would like to thank everyone who participated! Although we encountered some technological difficulties, ok someone kicked the server, so we had some downtime, it came off as a success with a live stream from Ustream and a lively twitter banter. Below are some of the comments on the wines and we would like to thank both Walter and Mariana for an excellent tasting!

Cheers!

People to follow on Twitter:

@1winedude, @DrncPno, @JustGrapesWine, @Asher8072, @NancyNorde, @laurafresneda, @aleverdeguer, @michaelhevans, @YasharSeattle, @voxinferior, @winecast, @JustGrapesWine, @snieuw, @lucianaferrari, @toddhavens, @SeattleWineGal, @BeaBroderick, @vintuba, @MarisaCarullo, @tagwine, @duffydoyle,

Can’t wait for @VinesofMendoza Walter Bressia live Argentine #wine tasting today! @VinesofMendoza #BressiaMendoza @WineLog @DrncPno *3PM PST about 23 hours ago from TweetieRT @Asher8072: Walter Bressia talking about boutique wine operations in Argentina. Quality over quantity! True passion #vinesofmendoza #BressiaTasteLiveA great nose of tanned leather and deep black fruit just starting to show after some decanting. @VinesofMendoza #vinesofmendoza #winePalate was huge, big intensity, more oak here than I like, but very young of course, needs time. @VinesofMendoza #vinesofmendoza #wineChar, more leather adn scary dark black fruit here with some pepper after a lot of air to finish out: @VinesofMendoza #vinesofmendoza #wine@1WineDude I found great acid on ALL these wines…very refreshing! @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendoza #wineThank you very much to Mr. Bressia for tonight’s online tasting. Very impressive wines! @VinesofMendoza #vinesofmendoza #winePhoto Shoot Tribute in honor of @VinesofMendoza | #BressiaTasteLive | http://bit.ly/cnVLiW | Enjoy! http://ff.im/f40AJFor those interested, all my tasting notes from tonights #VinesofMendoza #wine tasting are on @WineLog: http://bit.ly/cpBlLv @VinesofMendoza@VinesofMendoza I wish I could’ve done the tasting with u guys, but was in the streets selling that Malbec! Aguante Bressia! #vinesofmendoza

Both are concentrated & refined but Urraca is bigger & almost out of balance; Profundo is wine of tasting

Uracca 05 – if this had another 2% abv, Robert Parker would go ape over it… @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendozadrinking some caramelized Bressia Profundo ‘06 #BressiaTasteLive with @vinesofmRT @lucianaferrari: viendo la degustación virtual de @vinesofmendoza con Walter Bressia. Excelente idea!! @michaelhevansok, I could do bicep workouts with this Urraca – that is one heavy bottle! @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendozaWOO HOO! I love the profundo! sexy spicyness, black cherries, oak tannins #bressiatastelive (@vinesofmendoza live at http://ustre.am/bIHS)@vinesofmendoza Yeah – there is structure there; but delicious now #vinesofmendozaIs anyone else getting toasted coconut on the nose of the Profundo? It’s jumping out to me… in a good way @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendozaInterestingly, the small amt of Syrah is jumping out for me on the Profundo (spice & pepper) @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendozaHonestly, I’m getting some goosebumps from sniffing the Profundo. @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendozaRT @NancyNorde: Bressia Produnfo, smooth enough for fish, but hearty enough for beef #vinesofmendoza #bressiatasteliveBressia Profundo is like velvet #vinesofmendoza #bressiatasteliveRT @winecast: Bressia, “Profundo” 06 – Really refined in the mouth w/ complex black cherry + white pepper flavors finishing w/ supple tanninRT @michaelhevans: RT @MarisaCarullo: This Bressia Profundo ‘06 is pure heaven #vinesofmendoza #bressiatastelive06 Bressia Profundo. Uhm… like… WOW. @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendozanot tasting the wine b/c well I have none but enyoing listening and reading tweets (@vinesofmendoza live at http://ustre.am/bIHS)could seriously think of going steady with the Bressia Monteagrelo Syrah #bressiatastelive @VinesofMendoza #wine@winecast I’m not getting any minerality, or funk; totally New World, bold style (except for the great acid) @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendozaRT @vinesofmendoza: RT @pgimenezriili: Monteagrelo Syrah 2007. Expresivo en la nariz, muestra buena tipicidad.Char, more leather adn scary dark black fruit here with some pepper after a lot of air to finish out: @VinesofMendoza #vinesofmendoza #winePalate was huge, big intensity, more oak here than I like, but very young of course, needs time. @VinesofMendoza #vinesofmendoza #wine@WineWonkette Yeah – it’s scre-scre-scre-screeeeaming for a Syrah. Otherwise, it’s New World all the way @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendozaA great nose of tanned leather and deep black fruit just starting to show after some decanting. @VinesofMendoza #vinesofmendoza #wine07 Bressia Syrah Monteagrelo – a lot goin’ on here. Violets, blackberry, spice; dark & deep, almost PV dark! @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendozaWow – the acidity on this Monteagrelo Syrah is *much* higher than I’d expected. I dig that. @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendoza@winecast I speak a bit of Espanol, so it’s not too bad. One of the nice ladies is translating :) @vinesofmendoza #vinesofmendozaWoot, first wine, the ‘07 Bressia Monteagrelo Syrah @VinesofMendoza #mendozabressia #wine (@vinesofmendoza live at http://ustre.am/bIHS)RT @DrncPno: Cheers 2 @VinesofMendoza for a look at some amazingly good & interesting wines. Walter Bressia not a secret #bressiatasteliveRT @vinesofmendoza: We think Walter is one of Mendoza’s best kept secrets #bressiatastelive (@vinesofmendoza live at http://ustre.am/bIHS)@vinesofmendoza@winecast @vinesofmendoza @michaelhevans @1WineDude@DrncPno Wines sound fab.Wish I was tasting w/ u.#bressiatastelive #wine#vinesofmendoza

Posted in Experiences, Tasting Notes | No Comments »


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