While the rest of the Argentina languors in deep economic crisis, the wine industry has come through largely unscathed, albeit having suffered shortages of dry goods (bottles, corks etc.) which has resulted in delayed shipments. The growth and development of its wine industry has been driven by strong international demand and inward investment from numerous leading international wine companies, although the role of leading Argentinean companies in developing their wine industry must not be under-estimated. Imported wine-making expertise has helped enormously to improve the very mediocre wines that have for long been sold on the local market. No longer can they rely on their local 'work horse' grapes, such as Criolla, to produce wines suitable for export and they are now re-planting with interesting varietals such as Sangiovese, Bonarda, Barbera and Zinfandel, along with the normal stock-in-trade Cabernet, Chardonnay and Merlot. Malbec has long been planted in Argentina with great success and it is this variety that can offer tremendous excitement and quality, producing wines of great power and character with bench-mark damson and blackberry fruit. Argentina is still the world's fifth largest producer and over 70% of its production comes from Mendoza. Tupungato is the highest and coolest of the Mendoza province sub-regions and is ideal for quality white grape production whilst the regions of Lujan de Cuyo, Gualtalery and Maipu (to the west of Mendoza City) are more ideal for red grape production. Patagonia is an up and coming zone, situated to the south of Mendoza province and is producing some of the most exciting new wines to come out of Argentina.
Torrontes, 2006 Crios de Susana Balbo
The Torrontes is everything one expects from this aromatic variety, being marginally off-dry with crunchy, fresh grapey flavours and a sensible balancing acidity.
Zingy and zesty with bags of fresh fruit and great balance.
Susana Balbo and her viticulturist partner, Pedro Marchevsky, have combined their respective skills and experience at Dominio del Plata where they are totally in charge, concentrating on planting, varietal selection, water management and canopy ‘conduction’. The project was specially designed so that the vineyards do not harm the natural resources and, at the same time, preserves the environment.
We have been keen supporters of Susana’s excellent Anubis Malbec for many years and we have just added a tremendous lime-fresh Torrontes, sourced from their vineyards in the Cafayete Valley. Quite simply, it’s one of the best white we’ve tasted from Argentina.
The Antis Cabernet has a splendid deep ruby colour and aromas of cedar and spice. In the mouth, it is medium bodied with rich soft layers of plum, blackcurrant and spices. It combines freshness of fruit, good concentration and the right amount of oak. It is well balanced with elegant tannins and a pleasant, persistent finish. Drink between 16-18° C.
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Carrizal del Medio in the Maipu Valley near Mendoza in Argentina where the vineyards are situated 800 meters above sea level. The wine was then matured in oak for six months in small French oak barrels - 100% new oak which enhances the structure of the wine without overwhelming the flavour of the fruit. Once bottled the Cabernet rested for three months in a temperature controlled cellars.
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