Brad Lewis -- along with several other of our "wine guys"--recently traveled to South America to visit wineries in Argentina and Chile. Seemed like a good time for a quick look at Argentina ....
In February, two of our wine buyers and several of our field wine people visited wineries in Argentina and Chile. We’ve added some new wines to our collection, and you can be on the lookout for more.
The history of wine in Argentina dates to the 16th century when European Vinifera vines were brought by Spanish missionaries. In the early 1990’s, foreign investment came, and helped modernize the country’s wine industry. Consultants were brought in from around the world to determine how to use the tremendous natural resources of the country to produce world class wines. The result? Some of the most popular wines of today have their roots in Argentina.
During the early 1990’s, traditional grapes began giving way to the more international grapes, mostly brought from France. Wineries turned to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and, especially, the Bordeaux grape Malbec to use in the new premium wine market. There are many local varieties used for white wines, but Chardonnay is the leading export.
With low humidity and only 6 to 12 inches of rainfall per year, the vineyards require irrigation and this is accomplished by using runoff from the high Andes Mountains using man-made channels. Of the ten wine regions, Mendoza, with its view of the Andes, is the heart of the wine industry. Less than 5% of the land is cultivated and the rest is desert.
The best grapes from this area are Malbec from old vines, with its profile of boysenberry, raspberry and blackberry fruits, mineral and meat notes; and Cabernet Sauvignon, which is improving yearly as the vines mature and become more concentrated.
The white wines of Argentina, having benefited from modern stainless steel, match well with the same dishes you might pair with many new world whites. Chardonnay is the best bet, and pairs well with most richer seafood as well as roast chicken, or chicken in cream sauces. The red wines, especially the better quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, match well with beef roasts and grilled meats.
Carlos Pulenta has built a winery that rivals the best of Napa or Bordeaux for his Bordeaux style blends, Vistalba Corte A, B and C. The Corte A has received huge reviews with the other two levels not far behind. All three are available in our stores, along with other very good, interesting wines from this region. Malbec, especially, is hot right now, as people look to experience wines that are a bit off the beaten path.