Fourth of July weekend starts tomorrow! Fiestas, family, and of course, big barbecues with lots of wine and cervezas. So, what will you be drinking? Before you make your selection, think about what type of atmosphere you trying to set, and follow suit with your wine choices.
Below are our Sommelier Martin Krawczyk's suggestions for great Argentine wines that set a relaxed, elegant, or traditional atmosphere.
Relaxed
Azul Malbec 2010
Bodega La Azul
100% Malbec | Tupungato, Uco Valley | $19
Bodega La Azul produces its wines using grapes from vineyards of various ages, some of which are more than 50 years old and made in their small, boutique winery. This Malbec has an attractive purplish red color, and its aromas and flavors remind of red ripe fruits like plums, morello cherries and mulberries. In the mouth the tannins are perceived soft and sweet. It is a wine of medium intensity and lasting finish. A great one to enjoy this holiday.
Where to Buy: http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/azul+malbec/2010
Elegant
BenMarco Expresivo 2007
Dominio del Plata
50% Malbec, 15% Bonarda, 15% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Tannat | Luján de Cuyo | $35
The name BenMarco means “son of Marcos” in Hebrew. Pedro Marchevsky produces his grapes from old vine vineyards in Mendoza and the wine is made by his wife, famed winemaker Susana Balbo. Cafe, tobacco, fruit – this is an elegant “caballero” (gentleman) sipping an espresso at your favorite cafe (or perhaps your July 4th barbecue) immediately drawing your attention. There is a fascination for the delicacy of the different elements, each blending together with a fusion of flavors in the mouth, long tannins and elegant finish.
Where to Buy: http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/dominio+plata+ben+marco+expresivo+mendoza+argentina
Traditional
Atamisque Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Bodega Atamisque
100% Cabernet Sauvignon | Tupungato, Uco Valley | $39
Pure deliciousness with dried cranberries and cherries drizzled with dried spices, mint, chalk and maybe even a bit of leather. Structured like a Cabernet, it has evolved over time into a charismatic and elegant wine. A true exponent of french winemaking influences in the Uco Valley.
Where to Buy: http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/atamisque+cab+sauv+tupungato+uco+valley+argentina
Salud!