What better way to wake up on a Friday morning in Portland than to attend the Argentina Food and Wine Pairing sponsored by Winebow with pairings by Executive Chef Steven Ward? As part of the wine tasting agenda at the recent Wine Bloggers Conference, my taste buds were satisfied with regional food, perfectly paired wine from the Mendoza Province, and a side of Tango! Yes, there were tango dancing lessons on the floor!
Winebow did a wonderful job offering a variety of stations to make any foodie and winelover dance after our morning lattes. We were transported to a country far away and the atmosphere was lively and fun!
The province of Mendoza is the dominant winemaking region of Argentina. It could perhaps be the largest in the world with vineyards covering hundreds of thousands of acres. The vineyards are planted in desert conditions with protection from the rain by the Andes Mountains in the west and the Argentine Pampas in the east. High quality grapes are grown thanks to water from melted snow and the high altitude.
It was difficult to identify my favorite wine and food pairings because I loved them all, but after pulling myself up by my gaucho pants and giving it some thought, my favorite five were…
**Alma Negra Misterio Rose, NV – Consisting of 85% Malbec and 15% Pinot Noir, this rose pink wine was made in the Methode Champenoise and was a perfect beginning. With aromas and tastes of strawberry, raspberry, and rose petals, it paired nicely with… Pomegranite Lime Ceviche with Oregon Shrimp and Cilantro, garnished with Cayenne and Sugar on the Rim.
**Bodegas Nieto Senetiner Reserva Torrontes 2011 – A delicious Torrontes may be your go-to white wine if you would like to try something crisp, light, and different. Aromas of white flowers, herbs, and citrus led to tastes of grapefruit and oranges with snappy acidity. This was deliciously paired with…Sea Salt Seared Scallops with Black Bean Hummus.
**Bodega Renacer Enamore 2010 – This combination of Malbec, Syrah, Bonarda, and Cabernet Franc grapes was made in the Amarone style. The dark ruby color with ripe berry and raisin aromas encouraged me to take that first sip. Ahhh, the tastes of spice, smoke, and chocolate with a long finish and well integrated tannins blended perfectly with….Butternut Risotto with Cinnamon Beets and Goat Cheese.
**Bodega Catena Zapata Alta Malbec 2009 – Wow! Unfined and unfiltered, this Malbec was complex and structured with so many aromas and tastes…where do I start? Deep purple in color and with red fruit, violets, spice, and lavender on the nose, I loved the smooth and balanced mouthfeel as well as tastes of vanilla, black currants, and licorice. I also enjoyed pairing the wine with…Beef Empanadas with Raisin Balsamic, Kalamata Olives and Red Pepper Puree.
**Alma Negra “M” Blend 2009 – The “M” on the label signifies Mendoza and this wine is predominantly Bonarda but with Malbec and Petit Verdot joining in. The blend changes from year to year and the 2009 vintage has aromas of dark berries, some chocolate, and a little smoke. Well balanced, the wine was a wonderful pairing with…Stuffed Fig with French Prairie Brie and Cilantro.
Are you ready for a little Tango now? Clench that rose in your teeth, hold your partner tight, and dance as if you’re already in Argentina. ~
Salud! ~ Cindy
