Argentine Wines
Altocedro Malbec 2007
I love when food or wine brings back a vivid memory of the past. Such was the case with the Altocedro Malbec: one sniff, and I was instantly back in Argentina, sipping wine at 0800-Vino, or on our beautiful terrace, or at a bodega in Mendoza. What a wonderful six months of our lives! Argentina’s … Continue reading
In the Middle of Nowhere: Bodega Del Desierto
South African novelist Nadine Gordimer once said that “A desert is a place without expectation”. A photographer who has caught vast desert landscapes and breathtaking sunsets might disagree, as would any camper set underneath a canopy of stars on a desert night. But to most–and certainly to any winemaker–Gordimer’s words ring true. Unless, of course, … Continue reading
Crios Torrontes
Crios winemaker Susan Balbo has made a name for herself as the top female winemaker of Argentina. In a country where men rule the wine industry, I was eager to sample her wines. Balbo spent 25 years as a consultant winemaker for many wineries, and opened Dominio del Plata in 1999 as her own venture. … Continue reading
Norton Extra Brut Espumante
Like Trapiche, whose Fond de Cave Malbec I recently reviewed, Norton is one of the larger bodegas in Argentina. The amount of wines that the produce is at times astounding: so many lines, so many varietals, so many names and labels… it makes my head spin. Today I am highlighting one of my favorite Norton … Continue reading
Bodega El Esteco “Don David” Torrontes 2009
As the weather warms, I would like to share a wine that is sure to pair well with warm weather foods: the Don David Torrontes. Perhaps you remember my post on the Torrontes grape: it is a popular varietal in Argentina, incredibly easy to drink, very lively, perfumed, and slightly sweet. I like to think … Continue reading
Sedimentality awarded “Wine Blogger of the Month” by Wines of Argentina!
I’m thrilled. Shocked. Excited. Honored. Wines of Argentina has named me “Wine Blogger of the Month” for my “Getting to Know Torrontés” blog! Such an honor that I am so happy to share with my readers. Just today I was sitting on the metro and I thought, “Hmmmm… how long have I been blogging?” I … Continue reading
Trapiche “Fond de Cave” 2008 Malbec Reserva
I’m always stunned when I come across a more subdued Malbec. So many are big, juicy and really fruity… but occasionally, you try one that is milder, with more mature fruit and a calmness that you don’t see too often in the varietal (particularly those from Argentina!). This wine had chocolate, a little tobacco, and … Continue reading
Top Malbecs from Argentina (in honor of World Malbec Day)
Happy World Malbec day! We missed celebrating World Malbec Day in the country that put Malbec on the map, Argentina, by just two days. But just because we’re in Italy and currently getting our filled of Lazio’s Frascatis and Marinos doesn’t mean that we don’t still have a passion for the grape that Argentina grows … Continue reading
Tapiz 2010 Torrontes
During the three weeks I spent in Mendoza, Argentina’s primary wine producing region, I visited many wineries. Tapiz was by far my favorite. Who could resist a horse-drawn carriage ride through vineyards, a tour of the facilities that included barrel samplings and the opportunity to taste clarified and unclarified wines, and tastes of some of … Continue reading
Septima Malbec 2009
It seems to me that there is quite a disparity between the styles of inexpensive and really inexpensive Malbec wines. Less expensive Malbecs, although quite good for their price, tend to be leaner, more acidic, and less complex: they are simple wines with more subdued fruits, and are a great bargain. For $10-$20 more, Malbecs … Continue reading