The Pedernal Valley, San Juan’s Open Secret
When does a terroir become established in the minds of consumers? When it completes a cycle in which the wines it produces have set tongues wagging and its distinctiveness comes…
The Sommelier’s Perspective: Tempranillo in Argentina
In 2011, the second Thursday of November was designated International Tempranillo Day. Of course, it’s a celebration in which Spanish wines occupy the lion’s share of the spotlight but the…
Bio Wines: what are they and when is it a good idea to obtain certification?
Many wine consumers, especially younger generations, are increasingly environmentally conscious and producers are responding to the trend by offering an expanding range of environmentally friendly wines that fall into several…
Why try an Argentine Petit Verdot?
The recent development of Argentine Petit Verdot is a fascinating phenomenon. Having already won over a band of faithful followers within the country it is now delighting palates overseas. For…
Hallowine: some scary labels from Argentina to uncork on Halloween
Getting into the spooky, playful spirit of Halloween, several vineyards and cellars would appear to have opened their doors to the netherworld, giving rise to a series of labels that…
New and original wines made in amphorae from Argentina
Yes, amphorae, the same things the ancient Greeks used, what archaeologists researching the origins of wine are now finding in neolithic era caves and settlements. These venerable recipients offer proof…
A week to show you why Torrontés is great all year round
Several countries across the world are famous for their aromatic white wines. In places such as Greece, Hungary and Slovenia, discerning consumers scour the shelves in search of the distinctive…
The Magic of Small Producers
There are a lot of very good Malbecs out there, but when you learn that a producer is working in a distinctive, unique way the temptation to immediately reach for…
Argentine Tannat, an elegant take on a rustic red
Tannat has been grown in Argentina since the end of the 19th century when European immigrants brought it and several other varieties along with them as a taste of home, marking the beginning of quality viticulture in Mendoza.
But in spite of its 125 year history in the country, the variety, originally from the south-west of France and currently the iconic grape of Uruguay, has never seemed to interest local winemakers in same way as Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. That, however, looks to be beginning to change.
Rediscovering the Calchaquí Valleys
The northwest of Argentina offers several outstanding and unique examples of winemaking in extreme conditions. The vineyards of the Calchaquí Valleys are planted and maintained at altitudes ranging between 1700…