Bodega Margot:
The Vines of Mendoza hosts Winemaker’s Night every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. so wine aficionados can learn more about the history, techniques and vision of local wineries. Hosted in the outdoor patio tasting room, Argentinians and passing tourists alike can enjoy tasting some of the best local wines with the winemakers themselves.
History: Bodega Margot’s wine brands were born from Tango poetry. “Margot” and “Mano a Mano” are tangos written by Celedonio Esteban Flores and musicalized by Carlos Gardel. Margot winery specializes in developing “Single Vineyard” wines and sparkling wines, from grapes grown at 1,959 meters above sea level. Their vineyards are located at Tupungato, Uco Valley, and the winery produces their wine in two separate bodegas: a large rented winery for the majority of their wines and smaller boutique facility for their highest quality wines.
Miguel Navarro is the chief winemaker at Margot. The renowned winemaker developed Argento and Alamos wines while working at Catena Zapata for nine years and was also the chief winemaker at Navarro Correa winery until 2008. Associate winemaker Romina Carparelli, who graduated with honors in Enology in 2005, shared information about Margot winery’s still and sparkling wines at Winemaker’s Night.
This relatively young bodega began producing its namesake sparkling wines in 2003 and three years later in 2006, the bodega began with still wines. In reality, like many Argentinean wineries, the winery is a family project—Romina said the only family member not involved is her mother, who serves as the “family encourager and supporter.”
Wines:
Maula & Misery Malbec 2010: No oak, pure Malbec. Just a young easy to drink. “When you raise the glass, you must say, this is Malbec. Elegant, yet informal,” said Romina Carparelli, Winemaker and Export Manager at Casa Margot. A tango red color, this intense wine has violet highlights with red fruit, blackberry and plum notes. AR $47 pesos
Maula Pinot Noir, 2010: Red cherry color with medium intensity. Aromatic and fruity. Strawberries, cassis, tobacco and pepper. Velvety and persistent. AR $72 pesos
Margot Blanc de Noir, 70% Syrah, 30% Pinot Noir: Subtle tones of red fruits, such as cherries and berries with butter notes and pear’s compote and toasted bread.
Interesting Fact: The Margot winery also sells contemporary cuisine at the Margot Deli in the exclusive Champagnerie Hotel in Chacras de Coria. The Art Bar & Bistro’s mood is set by the works of artist Eliana Molinelli and jazz, bossa, blues and tango music. Only open Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Quote: “I really think the very best way to decide when to harvest is to go and taste the grapes. It’s not exact but when you walk around the vineyard and taste the grapes, you know when it’s time to harvest,” Carparelli said.
www.bodegamargot.com.ar, 54 (261) 496 1877