Posts in Argentina
The Rise of Catena: Observation, Hard Work & Calculated Risk

Catena is an imposing family name in Argentinian wine. The first three generations built the initial and incredible, international reputation of the Catena wines. However, it is the fourth-generation vintner, Laura Catena, who is building an even bolder, bigger platform for the Catena reputation. How so? Laura is thinking about more than wine. Still, she works through the same lenses as those who carried the family name before her: observation, hard work and the willingness to take calculated risks.

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"Chillable" Argentinian Reds

I often say that the trend of "chillable reds" is the effect of long-offered, bad advice. The old days of "room temperature" are now equivalent to "cellar temperature". To achieve cellar temperature in our modern homes, we need to chill the wines if we don't have wine fridges. These three Argentinian reds from Mendoza certainly benefited from cooler temperatures. All were at about 60° F when I tasted them.

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Kind of Wild Wines: It's Kind of Wild What They Deliver for Their Promises & Price Points

Kind of Wild Wines hit all the right buzz words for today's concerned and informed consumer: "Made with Organic Grapes", "Supporting Organic Growers", "Free of Unwanted Additives", "Sustainable for Soil Health" and "1% to Environmental Partners" are some of their taglines. Mind you, only one of those snippets means anything legally.

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Domaine Bousquet Virgen: A Convincing Line-Up

Two years since its introduction to the US market, the Domaine Bousquet Virgen ("virgin" in English) line has expanded from one to three reds. Tasting these two, it's no surprise because the wines deliver vivacious, fresh fruit with good structural balance for a smart SRP of only $13. Moreover, the attractive, brightly-colored and elegant labels make an impact that aligns with the wines' motto of making earth-friendly - even vegan-friendly, wines with only naturally occurring sulfites. Hence, the wines proudly bear a USDA Organic label as well as a "No Added Sulfites" assertion.

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Domaine Bousquet Gaia Range

Gaia is the Greek goddess of earth, who gives life to all things. While Domaine Bousquet has farmed organically from its first days in the early 1990s and proudly displays its many certifications, this range honors this practice - and visually cues today's earth-concerned but busy shoppers - with the image of Gaia on the front label.

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Domaine Bousquet NV Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Sparkling Brut Tupungato, Uco Valle

Domaine Bousquet NV Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Sparkling Brut: Perched in the Andes Mountains at 1,200 meters / 3,937 feet, the vineyards for these grapes are certified organic and harvested by hand. Produced using the Charmat method, where the second alcoholic fermentation occurs in tank rather than in bottle, this is a value-driven over-performer ready for everyday enjoyment or special occasions. Bonus: the wine is vegan friendly.

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Crios: Overdelivering Value for Money, Again

Dominio del Plata 2018 Malbec Crios Valle de Uco: Boldly brambly, this bracingly fresh Malbec screams varietal character, especially those typically coming from cooler climate Malbec. Behind the pristine pure fruit lies a gentle, seamless stream of tannin that gives the palate shape. However, it's the exuberantly fresh acidity that defines the tension here. I believe that it's one of the best Crios Malbecs of the many, many, many vintages that I have tasted.

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Susana Balbo’s Latest, Classy Releases from Dominio del Plata

Signature Brioso White Blend Valle de Uco 2017: This dazzlingly fragrant white from Susana Balbo is a new release from Valle de Uco’s Altamira. This is a dynamic and unusual white from Argentina. It is super fun to sip and very easy on the wallet, too.

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Hit & Miss: Susana Balbo 2018 Rosé Signature with Baked Coconut & Panko Shrimp & Dill-Infused Salmon Tartare with Sea Salted Potato Chips

Susana Balbo 2018 Rosé Signature: Gleaming in appearance with a pale salmon color, this wine has a teasing, almost evasive nose. Light and airy, it tastes of peach fuzz and watermelon rinds. A fun, phenolic pithiness nicely balances the brisk acidity that surges on the minerally but quick finish. It’s a fun, uncomplicated aperitivo.

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The Birthplace & Re-Birthplace of Malbec: Cahors & Mendoza

It’s Malbec, yet, it’s not. According to Wine Grapes, it should be called Cot. Very well.

But, what is this variety anyway? Flavor-wise and structure-wise, I often describe it as “the new Merlot” to both trade and consumer folk. Indeed, it turns out that it almost is. Rather, it is a half-sibling of Merlot as they share the same mother, Magdeleine Noire des Charentes.

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