Somos Malbec?

2008 La Posta Cocina Malbec (Photo by bradleypjohnson)

De Salta a Río Negro, la Argentina posee un reconocido y admirable “don” para la elaboración del tan apreciado vino. El Malbec Argentino es hoy moda en el mundo y es hora de preguntarse, “Es Argentina algo más que Malbec?” Tan simple la pregunta, tan compleja la respuesta. Argentina está, sin dudas, entre los países productores con mayor cantidad de micro y mesoclimas, distintos suelos, y mayor permisividad a la hora de decidir como manejar un viñedo (gracias a la pobre legislación). Sin lugar a dudas que si nuestro objetivo lo fuese, seriamos mucho más que malbec hablando en términos de Marketing. Y de hecho lo somos.

Pero analicemos un poco la imagen. Como país productor pecamos de “adolescentes”. Apostamos, hasta hace unos años, el 100% de nuestras fichas al Malbec, lo cual resulto fabuloso. De apoco comenzamos a promover nuestro tan distintivo Torrontes (única variedad autóctona, cruce entre Moscatel de Alejandría y Criolla Chica). La estrategia funcionó de maravilla, aunque tanto éxito trae sus problemas.

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Siete Vacas Torrontés 2010: Un Torrontés Auténtico y Salvaje

Siete Vacas Torrontés 2010 en La Cata

Una de las ventajas que más me gustan de mi trabajo son las catas ¨obligatorias¨ que tenemos cada semana para todo el equipo de Entaste. En la última cata que hicimos probamos el Siete Vacas Torrontés 2010.

Como buena fanática y amante del Torrontés desde hace varios años, este vino me llamó la atención porque no proviene de lo típicas zonas de Torrontés, Salta, La Rioja, o Mendoza si se quiere.

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Sipan Cevicheria: Peruvian-Japanese Fusion in Palermo Soho

A few blocks away from the touristy turnabout of Plaza Serrano in Palermo Soho, SIPAN, of the same well known downtown eatery, has added a second location in the Palermitano Hotel.  Peruvian-Japanese mouthgasmic delights, a full sushi bar, a carefully chosen wine list, and top of the line cocktails including an impressive selection of pisco ideal for the perfect drunkeness, all make SIPAN a Buenos Aires classic for a reason. Continue reading

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Gimenez Riili Partida Limitada 2006

Brand: Partida Limitada

Winery: Gimenez Riili

Vintage: 2006

Varietal: 50% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot

Winemaking: temperature controlled pre-fermentative maceration, traditional fermentation and maceration, malolactic fermentation in the barrels, careful filtering

Aging: 10 months in new French oak barrels

Bottle aging: 14 months

Average Price: € 18

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Pinot Noir Palo Alto 2006

I had given up on finding great Pinot Noirs in Argentina. At least I never really found the style that I personally like (smooth structure, earthy silky mouthfeel with aromas of strawberry style, lush but still complex, not missing the freshness), so here is the absolute exception, so excited about it!!

Brand: Mudai

Winery: Palo Alto

Vintage: 2006

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
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Julia & Malbec

 My first entry is going to be an Argentine Malbec since my first glass of Malbec that I had in a bar in Salta (province in the north of Argentina) was decisive for my further path in life! I know this sounds sort of dramatic but it really was!!:-)

I had been on a three month backpacking trip through the country at that time and after having been in Argentina for only two weeks I decided to throw away my plane ticket for the way back and stay. The endless amount of amazing places, the crazy loud happy people, the sun and the fantastic wine made me curious for more, and at the same time I felt very much at home in this place from beginning on…
Let me share one of my favorite “every day” Malbecs from Mendoza with you…from the foot of the “Cordon del Plata”
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F*CK THE FINANCIAL CRISIS: Value wines that beat recession. Part 2

‘Were not gonna take it!’ Its time for great wine that won’t break your wallet. Here’s the second episode on my series of wines that you can drink a case of and still be able to call your bank the following Monday. It is time to party.

Winery: Alta Vista (Blend)

Vintage: 2004

Appellation: Mendoza

Varietal: Malbec, Cabernet, Syrah, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot

Oak: 12 months in French oak.

Average Price: $14

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Salta la Linda

Cafayate 6

My first post comes direct from Cafayate, Salta, the source not only of some of Argentina’s best (and unknown) wines but also of its most impressive landscapes. In the two days I’ve been here I have honestly been torn about whether my time is better spent tasting wine or taking photographs.

With an average vineyard altitude of almost 5,500 feet above sea level and as many cactus as grapevines, the terrain here in Cafayate is like no other wine producing region in the world. The high altitude, desert climate, and drastic temperature contrast between daytime highs and nighttime lows result in concentrated, idiosyncratic wines that reflect the unique geology of the land as well as the artistry of the local winemakers. I must say that even after almost a year and a half tasting wine in Argentina, I have been impressed since I got off the plane in Salta.

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Bodega Del Fin de Mundo Special Blend 2006


Winery:
Bodega Del Fin de Mundo

Brand: Special BlendVintage: 2006.

Location: San Patricio del Chañar, Neuquén, Patagonia.

Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Malbec (40%), Merlot (20%)

Oak: 15 months aging in oak barrels (100% French oak barrels)

Average Price: $35.-

Tasting Notes: deep red colour with juicy plums, raspberries, tobacco and chocolate aromas. It is aged in new French oak barrels for 15 months which gives this wine outstanding complexity in which you may discover countless sensations as you explore its intense bouquet. It is a unique full bodied wine with excellent structure, complimented by velvety tannins that envelop the palate with an elegant sensuality.

Food Pairing Suggestions: this blend is perfect to be enjoyed with greasy red meat.

Winery Notes: Bodega Del Fin del Mundo was the first winery in the province of Neuquen. Its vineyards are located in the district of San Patricio del Chañar 55 km away from Neuquen city. The region enjoys exceptional conditions for the cultivation of the grapes. There is excellent temperature variation with warm sunny days followed by cold nights witch give the grapes an excellent balance of fruit and acidity, colour, aromas and body.

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