This Week’s Wine Tasting
Argentine Wines
Legado Classic Torrontes 2013– Mendoza, Argentina. “This wonderful white grape is grown at a higher and cooler altitude in La Rioja, north of Mendoza. The Legado Torrontés is a perfect example of this varietal, which many call the best expression of white wine from Argentina. Recent DNA research on the grape shows there are three distinct Torrontés varieties in Argentina, with the most aromatic and balanced being Torrontés Riojano. This grape is a crossing of the varietal Mission (a sacramental wine grape originally from Spain, then planted in Spanish missions on the west coasts of North and South America) and the Muscat of Alexandria. The wine is lush with aromas of honeysuckle, apricot, jasmine and rose petals. On the palate it has a creamy texture, with rich flavors of peach, lychee, and melon, with a medium body. Despite the richness in aromatics and fruit on the palate, it still finishes crisp and dry, a great match for spicy or strongly flavored foods.” $13.99
Parados Malbec 2014– Mendoza, Argentina. “Malbec is the backbone of the Argentine wine industry for a good reason, it is fantastic! The grape that came from Cahors near Bordeaux has found its perfect home in Argentina, and more specifically in Mendoza where these are grown. This is an absolutely superb example of how good this wine can be at an affordable level. The wines dense red color gives a full and rich fruit nose of wild berries and black currant. The mouth is lush and full leading to a very well balanced and long finish…the true mark of a great Malbec.” $10.99
Parados Winemaker’s Select Red 2014– Mendoza, Argentina. “This wine is comprised of a special blend of three different red wine grapes that we have found fit magnificently together. We use 40% of Sangiovese (the Italian grape of Chianti), 40% of Tempranillo (the rich and earthy red of Spanish Riojas), and 20% of Malbec (the most famous red grape of Argentina) to make a wine that tastes comparable or better than much more expensive red wines. The Sangiovese adds the lovely red fruit, the Tempranillo adds earthy and rich notes, and the Malbec gives the wine its depth of fruit and body. A very impressive red wine for a bargain price.” $10.99
Don Manuel Villafane Classic Cabernet Sauvignon 2014– Mendoza, Argentina. “This wine comes from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown at 2500 feet elevations in extremely rocky soil which means great drainage for the vines. The weather was very good before the harvest, allowing the grapes to achieve optimum ripeness, before being harvested by hand. It displays a full ruby color with an expressive nose of red and dark berries, violet, cassis, and a hint of cedar. In the mouth, it is full bodied with rich notes of blackcurrant and spices, extremely well balanced with supple tannins and a long finish. Serve with any red meats and especially lamb or game, also beautiful with cheeses.” $12.99
Don Manuel Villafane Reserva Malbec 2013– Mendoza, Argentina. “This is the king of the red wines in Argentina. The weather was very good before the harvest, allowing the grapes to achieve optimum ripeness, before being harvested by hand at 3200 feet elevation in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, in Maipú. After picking the grapes are then sorted, reserving the best lots of grapes for the Reserva. Only the free-run juice is used for the Reserve Malbec, and maceration was performed prior to and after fermentation to extract color and flavor without harsh tannins. The wine is then aged fourteen months in French oak barrels. It displays purple hints of very good intensity. It is a delicious wine with a wonderful palate. Its aromas are a mix of plums, morello cherry, truffle and, as time goes by, chocolate, coffee and vanilla.” $17.99
Legado Tres Uvas 2012– Mendoza, Argentina. “Made from 40% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc, this wine is made from the best lots of each varietal. The grapes are grown at 2500 feet of elevation in extremely rocky soil which means great drainage for the vines. The weather was very good before the harvest, allowing the grapes to achieve optimum ripeness, before being harvested by hand. The ‘Tres Uvas’ refers to ‘three grapes’ in Spanish. Only the free-run juice is used and the grapes are macerated prior to and after fermentation to extract color and flavor. The wine is then aged fourteen months in French oak barrels. This is a wine not to be missed: if it were from Bordeaux, it would sell for at least twice the price. Great with red meats, especially off the grill, more robust cheeses, and game. Will improve by cellaring for at least 10 years.” $19.99