As much as I love a luscious Malbec or crisp Torrontes from some of my favorite producers in Argentina, it’s always enlightening to taste other varieties from this intriguing country. Recently I was sent samples of five wines, two Chardonnays and three Pinot Noirs, that were not only delicious for sipping with a good book or my latest Netflix binge, but also for pairing with a wide range of recipes that I’ve been testing as I “shelter in place.”
Photo Credit: www.winefolly.com
From the wine regions of Mendoza and Patagonia, enjoy the virtual sips below, then locate each to taste. How about a chilled (but not too much!) Chardonnay or rich and balanced Pinot Noir with roasted vegetables, rosemary potatoes, Mediterranean baked pasta, grilled portobello mushrooms, wild mushroom quiche, creamy spinach lasagna or summer squash frittata? The list goes on. Complement a few glasses of these mouthwatering wines with roasted chicken with herbs, juicy burgers on the grill or savory lamb pitas. These latest wine and food discoveries promise to bring a new appreciation for staying at home.
Patagonia
Found in the extreme south of Argentina, Patagonia represents more than a third of Argentina’s land mass. Neuquen and Rio Negro, two of several provinces in Patagonia, are located towards the north where two large rivers, the Rio Neuquen and Rio Limay, transport ice melt from the Andes Mountains to vineyards and fruit orchards. For grapes that thrive in a cool climate, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this region is nirvana.
Patagonia vineyards – Photo Credit: www.classicjourneys.com
Bodegas Familia Schroeder Saurus Select Pinot Noir 2017 is from vineyards located in San Patricio del Chanar Valley in Patagonia, about 53 kilometers from Neuquen City. Rocky soil, abundant water from ice melts, diurnal temperatures, low humidity and plenty of wind and sun create optimal conditions for growing Malbec, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Torrontes at Bodegas Familia Schroeder. The family has “dedicated their efforts to turn Patagonia’s arid land into an internationally recognized winemaking area.”
Vibrant acidity and chewy tannins in the Saurus Select Pinot Noir 2017 framed a palate profile of fresh black plums, black cherries, red currants, juicy raspberries, strawberries and vanilla. Aged for 9 months in new French oak barrels then stored in stainless steel tanks to maintain the fruit forward profile, this wine was delicious from beginning to end.
Wapisa Pinot Noir 2017 is 100% Pinot Noir is from a relatively new project, Wapisa, founded by Patricia Ortiz of the Tapiz family of wineries; this is their first winery in Patagonia. Wapisa is 25 miles from the ocean and near the Rio Negro and approximately 120 hectares are under vine. Influences of the river, proximity to the ocean, soils of silt, loam and clay and broad diurnal temperature affect the acidity and flavor profiles of their Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Malbec. The winery’s name Wapisa, meaning “whale” in the local dialect, is an homage to the whales that are frequently sighted along the coast.
The medium bodied Wapisa Pinot Noir 2017 offered delicate notes of red berries, violets, rose petals, sweet oak and spiced black cherries on both nose and palate. Incredibly balanced with bright acidity and velvet tannic structure, the lasting finish was a delicious gift.
Perfect Pairing – Lamb Pitas
Mendoza
Located 600 miles north of Patagonia, Mendoza is the primary wine region in Argentina. In fact, 80% of the country’s wines and over 400,000 acres of vineyards are cultivated with 85% of those acres growing Malbec. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive here, too, thanks to high altitude vineyards that offer diurnal temperature shifts, sunshine, scant rainfall and irrigation from pure waters from the Andes Mountains.
Mendoza vineyards – Photo Credit: www.goldmedalwineclub.com
Catena Alta Chardonnay 2017 is from an “assemblage of historic rows” at almost 5,000 feet elevation in the Andean foothills within the Catena Family State vineyards. “Alta” means high in Spanish, certainly a reference to the high-altitude vineyards but perhaps an indication that their wines are considered “high-end” by wine lovers around the world.
The Catena Alta Chardonnay 2017 is from grapes cultivated two specific vineyards. The Adrianna vineyard is on calcareous soil and the Domingo Vineyard lies on a gravel-covered surface over alluvial topsoil and limestone deposits; the soils help lend flavor and minerality to the fruit. On both nose and palate, moderate acidity lifted fresh notes of ripe lemon, brioche, honeysuckle, juicy citrus, tropical fruit and hint of caramelized apples. This memorable Chardonnay spent about 14 months in French oak before bottling.
Unanime Chardonnay 2017 from Mascota Vineyards was an elegant expression of this noble grape that was cultivated at the foot of the Andes Mountains, about 1000 meters from the Mendoza River. Under vine are approximately 100 hectares that are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Chardonnay. Cool, fresh breezes from the mountains, wide temperature ranges and alluvial soil with clay-loam help create memorable wines from Mascota.
The Unanime Chardonnay 2017 is no exception. From grapes grown in the Gualtallary, Uco Valley, I discovered vivid acidity and notes of melon, bold citrus, tropical fruit, flint-like minerality, brioche, baking spice and hint of gingerbread. The wine was aged in concrete eggs and European oak foudres with contact sur lies for 6 months.
Alfredo Roca Fincas Pinot Noir 2018 is one of several wines that are considered “the fulfillment of my big dream,” states Alfredo Roca. “As an enologist, having my own winery where I could use the grapes grown in the family’s vineyards has been like finding a treasure. This is a 100% family-owned company with vineyards located in San Rafael for the last four generations.” Vineyards growing Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Bonarda, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Chenin, Sauvignon Blanc and Tocai are found at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range and irrigated with meltwater from the Diamante River. Very little rain, intense sunshine and cool nights allow for a slow ripening of grapes. 110 hectares of vineyards are divided into three properties; the Pinot Noir grapes in this wine were grown at Santa Herminia located southeast of the city of San Rafael at 800 meters above sea level.
Just lovely in the Alfredo Roca Fincas Pinot Noir 2018 were notes of red berries, earthy red cherries, white pepper, strawberries, blueberries, warm spice and perfume bolstered with understated acidity and gentle tannins. Sophisticated and refreshing, the finish on this medium bodied, balanced wine was long and satisfying.
Perfect Pairing – Mushroom Quiche
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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Steven
Cindy Rynning