February 2025 - Argentina

Many of Argentina's top vineyard sites sit next to the Andes Mountains at very high altitudes. It's this influence from the mountains and sun conditions that makes Argentina's wines so unmistakable.

The four main wine regions of Argentna are: North, Cuyo, Patagonia, and Atlantic. More than 95% of Argentina's vineyards are within the Cuyo region, which includes Mendoza. Technically, Mendoza is a cold desert climate: dry, but the summers don't get too hot so they won't burn the grapes. Vineyards receive water from Andes snowmelt.

Grapes grown in warmer regions - lower elevations (800-3000 ft) - tend to be riper, fruitier, and easy drinking. Grapes grown in cooler regions - elevations between 3000-6000 ft - tend to be fresher, more acidic, and more textured. (Higher acidity red wines tend to age longer.)

Grapes that grow well in Argentina: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, red blends, Pinot Noir, sparkling wines, and local specialty wines, Torrontes and Bonarda.

Stay tuned for information on the February Argentina wine tasting session.

Whites

Domaine Bousquet Sauvignon Blanc, 2024

100% Sauvignon Blanc. Light yellow color with green hues. Lime and apple aromas. Balanced with crisp natural acidity. Pairs perfectly with white fish, shellfish and white meat dishes.

Domaine Bousquet Gaia Rose, 2024

Rose of Pinot Noir. Pale and pretty crystal-clear pink. Strawberry and red berry aromas with orange zest notes. Lively with fresh acidity and a fruity palate. Pairs perfectly with appetizers, chicken and pasta or as an aperitif.

Vicentin Blanc de Malbec, 2022

A gorgeous white wine made from Malbec grapes! Clean, fresh and full-bodied with just the slightest hue of pink. t. Soft floral notes of sweet jasmine are perceived along with violets and mild aromas of fruits. The spice, texture and fragrance you’d expect from a Malbec with the bright fresh flavors you love in a white wine. Best served just a touch warmer than your typical white wine.

Elsa Bianchi Chardonnay San Rafael, 2021

100% Chardonnay. Vineyards located in San Rafael, Mendoza, 750 meters above sea level. Sandy calcareous soils of alluvial origin. Its medium clarity, together with its intense citrus, peach and tropical fruit aromas, make this wine immediately attractive. Soft on the palate, subtle citrus notes combined with tropical fruit avors such as pineapple and mango, provide this wine with an interesting aromatic complexity, ideal to be savored as an aperitif or to be paired with dishes.

Reds

Domaine Bousquet Pinot Noir Reserve Tupungato, 2022

With its silky tannins and aging in French oak, this Reserve Pinot Noir preserves the grape’s elegance, while also offering sun-kissed fruit on a rounded palate. The wine is a testament to its Argentine heritage and the French origin of the Bousquet family. Ideally pairs with duck, chicken, pork and mushroom dishes.

Aqua de Piedra Malbec Gran Reserva, 2022

Food-friendly and downright yummy this is a complex wine with lots of layers and notes of earth, leather, red fruit with tones of chocolate and prune. The palate is soft and lush with lingering black cherries, raspberries and spice leading to a long finish.Pairs well with grilled meats, medium to strong cheese or simply on its own. A wine to be served at all meals: grilled or stewed meat, pasta, cheese and even after a meal

Bodegas Bianchi Organic Malbec, 2022

The organic grapes for this Malbec were sourced from Bodegas Bianchi’s Finca Doña Elsa and Finca Asti vineyards, both of which are 30-year-old estate vines. The nose is defined by fresh and fruity aromas of ripe plums and blackberries. Its tannins are soft and round, with balanced acidity and red fruit notes. The finish is delicate and harmonious.

Los Ailos Syrah Malbec Blend, 2023

Deep red violent colors with bright red tinges. Very complex wine in aroma provided by the two varieties that make up the wine. Spicy aromas can be appreciated in a balance with red fruits - gooseberries, raspberries, redcurrants, truffles, cherries and plums. Also outstanding aromas of vanilla, chocolate and coffee provided by the aging in French oak barrels. Smoothness and elegance are due to its balanced and sweet tannins. Intense in its structure with a pleasant finish in the mouth.