I’ve been drinking quite a number of Malbec’s (Argentina’s darling grape varietal) lately – all are well under $12 bones – and they’ve got me excited and worried at the same time.
Why am I worried? I worry anytime a foreign country can potentially cost American jobs because they can compete at a lower price point.
Why am I excited? Because the consumer in me and my palette tells me that there are some incredible values coming out of that region which really do deserve your interest. They can produce a bottle of wine for around $1-2 USD and have it sold at retail up here for $9. American producers –namely those in the more expensive areas of California - could have an incredibly difficult time competing at these prices because the wines are so good.
Looking at the way wine market trends go, if you don’t stock up on these wines now, they will eventually go up in price. As Argentina continues to rise in popularity, you’ll see the prices start rising as well. What you’re paying $10 buck for now, will sell for closer to $20 in a few more years.
I’m super excited about Argentina Wines, and highly encourage you to seek some out. Please don’t take my word here, trust your palette and as always try many wines as you can!
2006 Bodega Septima Malbec: My rating is 89+
This wine has an incredible nose of black licorice, fig newtons, blackberries and a slight hint of white pepper. The finish on this wine is quite long and brings a lot of pleasure with it. Wine Speculator gave this an 86pt rating, I feel that’s a bit low - I’d be more inclined to go 89+. Decant for 30-60min.
Pairs incredibly well with Pot Roast served with Bread-crumb-crusted pasta and brown Gravy made from pan drippings. I’d also have no problems pairing it with any hearty fish like a cedar-plank salmon with a Tarragon Aioli. The licorice notes of the wine would clearly go with the licorice-flavors of the tarragon.
2005 Trivento Select Malbec – My rating is 90
The nose here has some good hints of vanilla (thanks to the French oak), some black cherry and dark plums. Like the Bodega, the finish is great and there’s good fruit across the front and mid-palette. There is a nice spicy component going on here and I’d definitely have no issues at all pairing it with many South-of-the-border inspired foods.
The buttery consistency of Guacamole’, for example would go very well with this wine – we had it the other night with some “taco stew” (think taco flavors in a slow-cooked, stew format) and topped it with Sour Cream, Guacamole’ and a touch of hot sauce.
No comments:
Post a Comment