Come along with Spaswinefood on our Argentine adventure, as we explore Finca Quara, Valle de Cafayate (Cafayate Valley) on Salta's Ruta Del Vino. Part of why the Cafayate wine world is so special, is its location in the southern part of Valles Calchaquíes, at an altitude of more than 1,800 meters. While Salta's colorful, grandiose landscape is one of the most scenic driving routes in Argentina, this region is also well known for its high altitude wines. In fact Cafayate, Argentina's second largest wine region, was named as #1 on the list
of 2017 Best Wine Destinations. I soon discovered that I could not resist visiting Finca Quara, a beautiful wine estate, in the heart of Cafayate Valley.
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| Finca Quara, Valle de Cafayate © Spaswinefood |
Finca Quara is located just outside the town of Cafayate on Ruta 40. The winery is easily recognized by a stately gate at a guarded entrance. Upon gaining entry you pass by an olive tree line driveway, which takes you through the estate vineyard to the winery.
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| Finca Quara Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
Finca Quara
Wine making has a long history in Cafayate. Finca Quara is part of that history. José Fortunato Lavaque from Lebanon found his way to Cafayate at the end of the 19th century. There he established a winery. In 1980's Rodolfo Lavaque (fourth generation) took over managing the family business. Lavaque then acquired Finca El Recreo (originally owned by the Peñalba family) from Michel Torino. Finca Quara was established in this location. Today Rodolfo's children (fifth generation) continue his pursuit of wine making excellence. Quara's wine making team includes José Luis Mounier winemaker. Mounier also owns his own winery, Bodega Mounier. While in Cafayate we were most fortunate to visit Bodega Mounier at Finca Las Nubes.
Upon arriving at the winery we went directly to their tasting room, which is located inside a stately Renaissance style building.
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| This Way, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
On the way we passed by the courtyard and historic artifacts. I assumed that the large amphoras may have been used for wine making at some point.
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| Courtyard, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
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| Amphoras, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
Finca Quara is well worth visiting just to see the architecture. Do not be surprised if you see large tour groups at the winery, especially in the summer. The winery does offer a free wine tasting (I believe that it is two wines). If you want to taste their better wines I would suggest asking for a different tasting. Now is time to take a look at their wines.
Finca Quara Wines
Finca Quara produces four lines of wines. These are Alpaca, Quara Single Vineyard, Quara Special Selection and Quara Estate. The varietals produced include Torrontés, Malbec, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Bonarda.
First, I must admit that my Argentine wine affair began with Malbec but it grew quickly to an appreciation for other wines, like Bonarda and Torrontés. It was in Argentina that I first discovered (1) Bonarda, Argentina's other red wine, and (2) Torrontés, Argentina's emblematic white wine. Cafayate is well known for its Torrontés. Just like Malbec originally drew attention to Mendoza Province so did Torrontés for Salta Province. Today both of these regions are now known for producing many great wines. It was amazing to experience the wide range of quality wines available in Cafayate.
Next, let's take a peek at some of Quara's wines.
Torrontés
Finca Quara produces Torrontés both as a dry white wine and a sweet wine (Cosecha Tardia).
Quara Torrontés 2016
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| Finca Quara, Quara Torrontés 2016 © Spaswinefood |
Quara Torrontés Cosecha Tardia 2015
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| Finca Quara, Torrontés Cosecha Tardia 2015 © Spaswinefood |
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| Finca Quara, Quara Cosecha Tardia 2015 © Spaswinefood |
Let me not forget their Malbec wines.
Malbec
Quara Malbec Viña Cabra Corral Single Vineyard 2014
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| Finca Quara, Quara Malbec Viña Cabra Corral Single Vineyard 2014 © Spaswinefood |
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| Quara Malbec Viña Cabra Corral Single Vineyard 2014 © Spaswinefood |
Quara Malbec Reserva 2015
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| Finca Quara, Quara Malbec Reserva 2015 © Spaswinefood |
It also produces wines from international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Quara Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
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| Finca Quara, Quara Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 © Spaswinefood |
Quara Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2014
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| Finca Quara, Quara Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2014 © Spaswinefood |
While these days Tannat is doing amazing well in Cafayate; however, it is the Bonarda that captures my attention.
Bonarda
Quara Bonarda Reserva 2015
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Finca Quara, Quara Bonarda Reserva 2015 © Spaswinefood
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If you get the opportunity to taste Finca Quara wines do give them at try. Their wines are widely available internationally. I am sure that you will discover some favorites.
The Majestic Finca Quara Estate
Leaving the majestic Finca Quara that day I could not help but admire the Renaissance styled architecture of this wine estate. The ever changing light casting shadows through the curved doorways certainly caught my attention.
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| Into the Light, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
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| Shadows, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
Then as we exited the clouds in the blue sky took on a special glow.
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| Clouds and Sky, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
How can one not admire the architecture of this place?
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Tour Buses Waiting, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood
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Before leaving this special place we paused, and took one last look before driving back down driveway.
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| Olive Trees, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
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| Leaving Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
How can you drive away Finca Quara without taking a look at the vineyard? For behind the olive tree lined driveway the vineyard was thriving.
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| Behind the Olive Trees, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
Yes, we stopped to take a closer look.
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| Finca Quara Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
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| The Vines, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
Now let's take a closer look at the grapes.
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| End January Vines, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
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| Gape Vines, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
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| End January Grapes, Finca Quara © Spaswinefood |
Finca Quara has 840 acres of vineyards located in the heart of Cafayate Valley, with most of the grape vines being 50-60 years old. Their vineyards at 5,200 feet to 6,500 feet are amongst some of the highest vineyards in the world.
It was indeed a special treat when we stopped by Finca Quara. We discovered a majestic winery in the middle of the vineyards, surrounded by stunning views. Given its location just outside the town of Cafayate Quara is perhaps a magical place along Salta's Ruta Del Vino.
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| Finca Quara, Salta Ruta Del Vino © Spaswinefood |
Getting to/from Lafayette
Cafayate does not have an airport and is only accessible by car or bus. The shortest route (Ruta 68) is 165 kilometers of winding road from Salta, capital city of Salta Province. Cafayate wineries were delightful to visit. Cafayate does offer an excellent range of choices for restaurants and accommodations. While in Cafayate we stayed at Patios de Cafayate at Bodega El Esteco.
Before I formally started my Spaswinefood adventures we visited Cafayate. That was seven years ago, I still remember our drive through Argentina's Salta Province. These wine country memories that I will never forget. I invite you to check out my travels in Argentina and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
January 2017
Cafayate
Salta, Argentina
© Spaswinefood
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| Finca Quara, Cafayate © Spaswinefood |
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