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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

The scent of an Argentine wine affair


I must confess Argentine wines are amongst my favorites. It is hard not to fall in love with Argentine wines. My Spaswinefood love affair with Argentine wines began first with Malbec. The affair has grown to an appreciation of Bonarda, Torrontés and other Argentine wines. Even though I have been reflecting on earlier Argentina winery visits recently, I must admit that I can not get Argentine wines off my mind. At the recent Wine Bloggers Conference (#WBC12) in Portland, Oregon I got to try a few new Argentine wines, some Argentine food and revisit tango memories.
Tango Dancers,  #WBC12 © Spaswinefood
During an early morning session on Argentine wines I tasted wines from Nieto Senetiner, Catena Alta, Alma Negra and Bodega Renacer. It was so exciting to taste some wines from wineries I have yet to visit. Below are some wine images I captured on my ipad:

Nieto Senetiner
Nieto Senetiner is a Mendoza winery that produces a number of wine series. From the whites available I tried the Torrontés.
Nieto Senetiner Torrontés with a Chardonnay on either side © Spaswinefood
Nieto Senetiner Reserva Malbec © Spaswinefood
You guessed right, there was a nice Malbec to taste.

Bodega Catena Zapata
The Catena's wines that I tried included Catena Alta Malbec 2009, Catena Zapata Alta Malbec and Catena Chardonnay 2011. Bodega Catena Zapata began research on the impact Mendoza's microclimates on the vineyards in 1983. This research was used to select their premium vineyards.
Catena Alta Malbec © Spaswinefood
Catena Zapata Alta Malbec © Spaswinefood
Catena Chardonnay © Spaswinefood
Alma Negra
The Alma Negra wines I tasted were Alma Negra Misterie Rosé and Alma Negra Sparkling Rosé of Malbec. The Mendoza winery selects the best grapes from estate and other vineyards each year to produce its unique wines.
Alma Negra Misterie Rosé © Spaswinefood
Alma Negra Sparkling Rosé of Malbec © Spaswinefood
Bodega Renacer
Bodega Renacer's Enamore wine was the last wine I selected to taste. It was a great blend that included a little Bonarda. I finally found a wine with some Bonarda.
Renacer Enamore © Spaswinefood

I did manage to watch the tango dancers. 

Tango Dancers,  #WBC12 © Spaswinefood
Yes, they had some great food as well at the Argentine food and wine pairing brunch.

Recuerdo Wines at the Live Blogging
Also during the speedy live blogging and tasting session on whites and rosés I was introduced to Recuerdo WinesRecuerdo Wines from Mendoza, Argentina produces high quality Malbec and Torrontés. I tasted Recuerdo Torrontés grown in the Famatina Valley in La Rioja, Argentina.
Recuerdo Torrontés © Spaswinefood
Now I have a list of Argentine wineries that I must visit soon. Argentina I will be back to taste some more wines, to eat a few empanadas and to check out your tango. I invite you to join me in my travels in Argentina and elsewhere in search of the best at Spaswinefood

Sharon
August 2012
Portland, Oregon
© Spaswinefood

5 comments:

  1. Tangos and wine, what a way to go.

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  2. Tangos and wine, what a way to go.

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  3. I´m a Sommelier from Argentina, and I must say that is so exiting for us being recognised abroad for our wines. Thank you very much for your review. We hope that this love affair keeps you "traped" for many years.

    I would like to introduce you my personal blog too. Enjoy!
    www.sommelier3pto0.com.ar

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your comment. It will be a pleasure for me to checkout your blog. Happy blogging!!!

      Delete