On hot summer days I often think back to visiting wineries in San Juan, Argentina. Maybe you have not given much thought to Argentine Champagne,
or sparkling wines. Spaswinefood did not until we visited San Juan, Argentina. San Juan is about a two-hour drive north of the city of Mendoza. We
had read that San Juan wineries were friendly and less touristy; so
despite the high Argentine summer temperatures we decided to check it out.
San Juan Province, the second largest producer of Argentine wine is just
starting to get recognition for its wine
tourism. While touring San Juan wineries we discovered Bodega
Cavas de Zonda Champañera (Champagne House).
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| Tasting sparkling wine at Cavas de Zonda © Spaswinefood |
Bodega Cavas de Zonda
Bodega Cavas de Zonda (Cavas de Zonda Winery) is
a Champañera (Champagne house) just west of the city of San Juan. It is located at Ruta Provincial 12 Km
15, Rivadavia, San Juan. This sparkling wine bodega is considered one of the
must visit wine bodega’s in San Juan. You will find descriptions of Cavas
de Zonda in travel guides, such as Fodor’s, Lonely Planet and Viva. Since visiting I have discovered a
video that showcases what a visit to Cavas de Zonda might look like.
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| Arriving at Cavas de Zonda © Spaswinefood |
The Champañera
produces sparkling wines via methods, which are similar to French and Spanish
styles. Our initial thoughts were that the wines might have a hard time competing with California's sparkling wine. We were also introduced to some reds however; we
did not get to taste any. Nevertheless, we bought a bottle of Merlot to taste
later. I would not recommend the Merlot I tasted. However, I would recommend
visiting this unique site. The bodega is located in an underground tunnel. It
was quite hot when we visited. In fact outside temperatures were in the 100ºF
(35ºC) plus range. The inside temperature was cool even on one of the hottest
summer days.
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| Cavas de Zonda © Spaswinefood |
Wine and Sommelier describes the Champagne cave and the wines produced. Suite101 article
by Karin-Marijke Vis describes her visit. She also notes that it is one of the
few mountain caves in the world that is used to store wine. I did find a
wine review (NV Cavas de Zonda Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Cava – Champaña Demi
Sec) at Cellar Tracker and Wineup. You can also check out Tripadvisor
reviewers.
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| Tasting sparkling wine at Cavas de Zonda © Spaswinefood |
We loved the
friendliness of San Juan. Travel San Juan provides online information, which is
quite useful for planning a wine tour, locating accommodation and other
services in San Juan. We had no problems finding great food in San Juan. We
also visited a day spa down the street from our hotel apartment, El Rocio. If
your travels take you to Mendoza consider visiting San Juan. Also, if you are
looking for Argentine Champagne check out a Good Morning Buenos Aires article,
which describes Argentine Champagnes (or sparkling wines). While we did try
other Argentine sparkling wines nothing beats our visit to Bodegas Cavas de
Zonda on that hot Argentine summers day.
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| Touring Cavas de Zonda © Spaswinefood |
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| Touring Cavas de Zonda © Spaswinefood |
During our
Argentine wine adventure we were most fortunate to also visit Mendoza, Salta
and Neuquén wine producing provinces. This allowed us to do extensive wine
tasting throughout Argentina. In general, the wines are quite good. In
fact, Argentine wines would do quite well against any wines in the world. I invite you to join me in my travels in Argentina and
elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood. You may
also visit my travel column at the Examiner.
©
Sharon Parsons
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