5:30 - 7:30 ~ We'll be pouring all four February Wine Club selections from Argentina this evening, so you can taste before opening your bottles. Be sure to bring your 6 bottle re-useable bag and fill it with one of our special offers when you pick up your two February selections. Remember, Wine Club members get 15% off all 4 February Wine Club selections. Tasting notes will be provided this evening.
Winemaking began in Argentina in the latter part of the 16th century with Spanish missionaries and conquistadores who brought vines with them from Spain. The sunny, dry foothills of the Andes are an ideal location for vineyards, where a system of dams and canals begun hundreds of years ago by the Incas and other native Indians are used to bring snowmelt from the mountains to irrigate what otherwise would be a desert. For most of its winegrowing history, Argentina has produced “rough & tumble” wines for home consumption, but in the late 1990’s modern improvements were made that have allowed the Argentines to develop a robust wine exporting industry. Argentina has 4 major wine regions – Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja, and Salta. The major grapes include Chardonnay (which range from simple to toasty & oaky), Cabernet Sauvignon (ranging from simple to powerful and sleek), and the real Argentine specialties – Torrontés (delightfully spicy, perfumed wines) and Malbec (their most important and impressive red – makes wines of surprising grip, depth, and velvety texture).
Primary White – Finca Los Prados 2009 Chardonnay, San Rafael, Mendoza (Rich)
Green apple and butterscotch aromas lead to similar flavors with a touch of spice and melon. A soft entry and light crispness combine to make the perfect match to light dishes. $19.99 Reg; $16.99 Wine Club.
Primary Red – Finca Las Paredes 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, San Rafael, Mendoza (Bold)
Deep red with a nice combination of bright fruit and earthy-briary notes, both in the aromas and on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with a soft berry-vanilla finish. $17.99 Regular Price; $15.29 Wine Club.
Secondary White – Bodega Goulart 2009 Torrontés, Mendoza (Crisp)
Yellow with green touches, this wine has intense aromas of roses and grapefruit, with a sweet entrance to the palate, citrusy on the mid-palate, great balance, and a clean, crisp finish. $13.99 Reg,; $$11.89 Wine Club.
Secondary Red – Puelo 2007 Malbec, San Rafael, Mendoza (Bold)
Deep aromas of ripe plum, violet and pepper follow through to the palate with added hints of spice. Good weight and structure with soft, silky tannins and an enjoyable finish. $22.99 Reg.; $19.54 Wine Club.
