“More Than Malbec” Tour – Taste Argentina
Wines Sourced from the Andes Salta Region to Patagonia’s Tip
This year, Vino del Sol, “the Argentina Wine Specialists” are celebrating their 20th anniversary. The group hosted a national tour this month, including a stop in Dallas, Texas, showcasing their “More than Malbec” offerings by award-winning Argentine wineries. I attended the event which featured estate-grown, sustainably farmed, high-altitude wines and discovered some great value, high quality wines other than their delicious Malbecs. For your “Come Over October” events this coming month, consider adding a complex Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon or refreshing, aromatic Torrontes for the celebration. For tips on entertaining in October, see “Come Over October – Entertaining Ideas for Connecting People with Wine,” September 2024, Wine Wanderings. From the tip of Patagonia to the height of the Salta region near the Andes Mountains, great value wines can be found in Argentina to enhance a variety of your cuisine choices.
Modern Argentine Wine Success
The modern history of Argentine wine success began with the realization that the domestic Argentina wine market was diminishing and that international consumers preferred imported wine of high quality. Chile had begun to tailor their wine to suit those preferences, so Argentina had to adapt to survive. By the mid 1990’s, international “flying” (those that work both Northern and Southern Hemispheres) winemakers came in from around the globe to consult and improved the vineyards and finished wine products. In the early 2000’s Argentina’s Malbec started to be loved worldwide. You’ll find the highest winery in the world at Colomé, Argentina. Argentina has become the 5th largest grape producer in the world, and the 10th largest exporter of wine with the US their largest market.
Mendoza, Argentina Today, Visiting the Region
Today Mendoza (2000 to 3000 feet in altitude) is a major wine capital, and wine tourism is a large part of the business driving the development of new restaurants and hotels. Accounting for more than 70 percent of the country’s wine production, Mendoza is uniquely situated in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains. This far western expanse of Argentina not only has some of the highest altitude vineyards in the world, but it also enjoys a relatively mild climate with few extreme temperatures, thus benefitting the quality of the grapes grown.
If you visit Mendoza, you’ll find the restaurants and hotels cater to the wine tourism trade. Be sure to book reservations at Diam’s Restaurant, part of the DiamAndes group (owned by France’s Bonnie family of Chateau Malartic-Lagravière) who will be featured in a future Wine Wanderings newsletter. Consider a stay at the Relais & Chateau Cavas Wine Lodge, a Spanish colonial-style hotel at the foot of the Andes devoted to the joy of wine.
Wine Recommendations
2021 Anko Torrontes, Salta Argentina, $14
Refreshing, aromatic. Wonderful with seafood
2022 Zolo Sauvignon Blanc, Mendoza, Argentina, $17
A very high-altitude wine, crisp, grapefruit aromas. Owner/Winemaker Patricia Ortiz bought this winery from the Jackson family.
2021 Tapiz Alta Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina $22
James Suckling, 92 Points
2021 Wapisa Pinot Noir, Rio Negro, Patagonia, $19
2022 vintage, Vinous, 90 Points
Wapisa Cabernet Sauvignon, Patagonia, Argentina, $21
2020 vintage, James Suckling – 94 Points
2018 Zaha Cabernet Sauvignon, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, $33
The Alta Mira location of this vineyard in Uco Valley is considered the “Grand Cru” area of Mendoza.The 2019 vintage: Robert Parker, 91 Points
Tapiz Sparkling Malbec, NV Uco Valley, Argentina, $20
One of my favorite everyday sparkling rosé wines
Wine Wanderings Editorial Calendar 2024
Live from the Biltmore and Asheville, North Carolina (Cancelled due to Hurricane Helene’s aftermath of flooding and destruction. Thoughts go to all those suffering in Asheville and other regions in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.)
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France/Argentina Connection: Chateaux Malartic Lagravière and DiamAndes
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Cruise with Wine Wanderings: Cruise Travel Reminder: River Seine – Paris – Normandy – Giverny on AmaWaterways
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