Unique Argentinian Wines

My desire to visit Argentina was not based solely on that country?s wines but also a life-long fascination with all things South America. This curiosity was based on Argentina?s blend of European traditions with indigenous American interpretations. After having traveled to Argentina on a wine excursion, the culture, people and terrain all were beyond my lofty expectations.

Argentina has a long-standing wine tradition and though they have had success with the international varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, etc., they really have made their mark with Malbec and Torrontes. Both of these varietals have their history in Europe but have found their greatest successes in Argentina. Of all the wines and wineries that I was fortunate enough to visit, there were two that particularly stood out.

Michel Torrino is a winery in the Northwest part of the county in the Cafayette Valley ? a remote and sparsely populated valley. Here they have some of the highest altitude vineyards in the world.

Torrontes, a varietal that is native to Spain, found its home in these high altitude vineyards of Argentina and has become a star. Michel Torrino ?Don David? Torrontes was by far and away the most interesting of the various Torrontes that I tasted. It is a more full bodied and exotic expression of Torrontes with a nose of ripe peaches and lychee nuts. It is a rich wine with tremendous mouth-feel and depth of character.

Malbec is a Bordeaux varietal ? traditionally a blending varietal, but in Argentina it has come into its own.Though I tried a number of Malbecs, the one that stood out was from Catena. A rich nose, followed by a full bodied yet approachable wine that is the perfect compliment to a well cooked piece of beef, particularly from grass fed cattle.

Visit us at http://www.englewoodwinemerchants.com/ to view our selection of fine wines, or call us at 201-568-8820.

Englewood Wine Merchants is a fine wine and spirits retailer located in Englewood, New Jersey. We ship within the United States.