In the shadows of the Andes on a high plateau lies Mendoza, where most of Argentina's best red wines emerge from.
Over the past couple of years, Argentina's red wines have spilled lusciously from the woodwork and gained some recognition. In the 1970s, wine production here was mostly for table wine (the national consumption rate was measured around 95 liters per person each year!). Then, the Malbec became the national grape of the country; full-bodied, rough, and somewhat elegant at the same time.
Between the Malbec grape with strong berry and pepper notes; the Syrah with plum, cherry, smoke and earthy tones; or the Cabernet Sauvignons with vegetables like green pepper or potent cassis, there is a bottle for everyone when it comes to wine from Argentina. These reds can be eaten with everything from hearty meat stews to lamb shanks to rare steaks; most deliciously with winter comfort foods. Or pair with a cheese plate for an appetizer or dessert.
Malbec Roble 2007, Finca Flichman. ($8.00)
From the east of Mendoza, this wine is centered around aromas of raspberry, cherries and strawberries. This rustic wine has been aged three months in an oak barrel, smoothing it over a little bit. With a dry finish and fruity flavors, this wine provides amazing quality for the price.
2007 Clos de la Siete ($16.00)
Rated by Food and Wine Magazine in 2009 as the Superstar of Argentina's current red wines, this is a very bold red created from Cabernet, Syrah, Malbec and Merlot. When held to light, the color is almost indigo with a lavish blackberry taste, topped off with a touch of orange peel and wet slate.
2007 Trapiche - Varietales Malbec ($9.00)
The smooth texture of chocolate, a woodsy, slightly bitter flavor of the oak barrels - what more could one ask for in a comforting winter wine? The silky waves on the tongue give away to a dry finish. This varietal comes from a large winery with a long wine culture history.
2007 Finca El Portillo Malbec ($11.00)
For those who love intense flavors this wine is a safe bet. It goes down smooth with a warm spicy aura and blackberry plum flavors. The vineyards are at altitudes up to 5,500 feet, and the grapes pull flavors from the surrounding fertile land.
2007 Yellow + Blue Mendoza Malbec ($12.00)
For the eco-and-organic crazed out there, this Malbec's reputation makes it a great gift. The 100% certified organic grapes bring notes of blackberry, strawberry and pepper notes from the vineyard's surrounding red clay soil. It is packaged in low-carbon-footprint one-liter containers that resemble on-the-go protein shake containers.
2007 Norton, Malbec Lujan de Cuyo ($11.00)
As one of the most popular red wines in Argentina, this is a prime example of an oaky Malbec varietal. From the moment the wine is poured, the aroma from the oak barrels floats into the air. When consumed, the peppery notes and peach hints affects all the senses.
2006 Michel Torino Don David Syrah ($17.00)
Wild blackberry, plum, cedar, spice and smoke are wrapped up in this Syrah that has been in the process of being perfected since 1892. This vineyard is owned by brothers on over 1500 acres standing up to 6600 feet above sea level.
2006 Finca Decero Cabernet Sauvignon ($20.00)
The name says it all: "finca decero" translates to "from scratch". From the Remolinos vineyard, this deep crimson cabernet brings silky tannins and a long finish to the table. A surprising prominence of green peppercorns and currants wakes the senses.
Argentina is just one of the new wine-making regions (well, not technically new) that has been a rising star lately. Arizona is another region that has been talked about as being one of the next big wine states.
Lauren Wise - Lauren Wise has a BA in Journalism with an emphasis on Media Analysis and Criticism from the Walter Cronkite School of ...
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