MOUNIER - TORRONTÉS 2007
REGION: Cafayate, Salta
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Torrontés
WINEMAKING: Made by one of the few truly boutique wineries in Salta, these Torrontes grapes are grown at an extreme altitude of 6,070 feet. Every aspect of grape growing and winemaking is carried out by hand, and only natural products are used in the vineyard and cellar.
TASTING NOTES: A brilliant representation of Argentine Torrontes and ideal for the summer months or when you need some sunshine on your mind. It is refreshing both in color and flavor, and soft on the palate despite its crisp acidity. It is a light, clear lemon yellow color, and the bouquet explodes with tropical aromas and citrus fruits, as well as a subtle layer of honey.
FOOD PAIRING: Perfect with ceviche
DRINKING GUIDE: Enjoy now
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JEAN RIVIER - MALBEC ROSE 2007
REGION: San Carlos, Uco Valley, Mendoza
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Malbec
WINEMAKING: Fermented in stainless steel for 4 weeks at low temperatures to allow for a subtle amount of residual sugar, the delicate color is the result of only 16 hours of skin contact. Made with the most advanced technology available, the completed wine has a remarkably traditional, Old-World style.
TASTING NOTES: This wine sparkles in the glass with the salmon pink color of traditional Provençal Rosé that is reminiscent of a dusky sunset. The nose is delicate, full of cinnamon and red fruit, and leads to a palate that is explosive with fresh yet softly textured fruit. It ends with a mouthwatering finish.
FOOD PAIRING: A perfect accompaniment to summer fare such as Asian chicken salad
DRINKING GUIDE: Enjoy now
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MAIA - CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006
REGION: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
WINEMAKING: Made by the third generation Karzovnik family which has gained a reputation for producing kosher wine at the foot of the Andes. The grapes for Maia come from 40-year-old vines that are grown with traditional farming methods and all organic nutrients. The grapes are hand-harvested.
TASTING NOTES: Soft and subtle, this wine is a lengthy discourse on the attributes of Cabernet Sauvignon. A lively acidity sets the tone and is complemented by underlying themes of oak, fruit tannins and aromas of cinnamon and cloves. A finale of dark chocolate and caramel makes you want the conversation to never end.
FOOD PAIRING: Ideal with a hearty spicy summer gazpacho
DRINKING GUIDE: Delicious now
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BODEGA DEL GENIO - MALBEC 2006
REGION: Maipú, Mendoza
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Malbec
WINEMAKING: The vines are trellised at an altitude of close to 3,000 feet. The grapes are hand-harvested, fermented in cement tanks and aged for 6 months in American oak followed by 6 months more in the bottle before release.
TASTING NOTES: Dark, ripe plum in color, it exudes aromas of mulled spices and cooked fruit that overflow out of the glass. A dramatic attack on the palate is brimming with black fruit and subtle spice, and the wine sits heavily but lingers softly on the tongue.
FOOD PAIRING: A brilliant pairing with barbequed ribs
DRINKING GUIDE: Drink now through 2011
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AVE - MALBEC 2006
REGION: Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Malbec
WINEMAKING: "The first true Malbec with Italian style and taste," in the words of Mario and Iacopo, the two friends from Tuscany who created Ave. Made with the help of world-renowned wine consultant Alberto Antonini, the grapes are grown 3,100 feet above sea level. They are fermented and aged in cement tanks, allowing the wine to express its true character.
TASTING NOTES: Ruby in color with hints of garnet, Ave expresses the more whimsical side of Malbec. A nose full of red cherries brings to mind the Tuscan Sangiovese that the Ave team grew up with and leads to a youthful palate perfectly balanced by soft tannins.
FOOD PAIRING: Living up to its Italian roots it is perfect with all kinds of pasta, especially with mushrooms
DRINKING GUIDE: Drink now through 2012
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SIN FIN GUARDA - CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
REGION: Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
WINEMAKING: The grapes are grown at an altitude of 3,450 feet at the foot of the Andes. This wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks with staves of both American and French oak to provide depth and subtle oak tannins.
TASTING NOTES: Intense ruby red in the glass, Sin Fin evokes the sensation of long silky hair tossing in the breeze. Luscious and intricate, it is the color of ripe raspberry. The dense bouquet has aromas of a berry fruit bowl along with notes of tobacco and white pepper. This wine is easy to drink with integrated tannins and a touch of spice that makes the finish last.
FOOD PAIRING: Ideal with lighter meats – grilled pork loin and lamb - with caramelized onions
DRINKING GUIDE: Drink now through 2011