The wine consultant and journalist, Steven Spurrier, resides in the United Kingdom and a contributing editor to one of the most prestigious magazines in England, Decanter. Recently traveled to Argentina, where he says he was surprised to wines made in the country. Here we publish your note in the English magazine.
Steven Spurrier did not expect his first trip to Argentina to fill him with enthusiasm and boundless admiration. But the quality and value of red country convinced him to his bright future. The wine consultant said: Not long ago I stated that Chile is the most exciting New World wine country. I am happy to continue holding the same, because it is rare that a year goes by without a new valley is discovered and new vineyards are planted to make interesting wines. But my first visit to Argentina convinced me that in the New World, indeed in South America, this country is unrivaled in terms of ripe flavors, reliability and value-related quality of red and possibly is not disputing about dramatic improvements in the future.
During his visit made to Argentina, he focused on a tasting of 50 red wines, and tour of the vineyards. As for the overall quality of the wines he focused on those from the £ 10 in the UK market. The country is gaining ground in terms of exports, despite having been at the rear. Sales are exploding in the United States and Canada, is determined to exceed the UK next year, but genuine optimism producers meets the eye. Perhaps this potential the best appreciate those who are escaping the conservative production of European countries that traditionally produced wine regimes. If there is one place that has all the optimal conditions to develop a new industry formidable wine climate, soil, costs, human resources and minimally bureaucratic regulation that place is Argentina. A parade of stars 50 wineries invited to participate in the tasting were asked Spurrier present a wine (not necessarily the most expensive) to show personality, varietal characteristics and vineyards that best express the philosophy of the winery. Joining him in the tasting were Sophie Jump of JumpStart wine consultant and Fabricio Portelli, wine critic and editor of Wine Symposium. Glad to say there were more times when we agreed that we disagree, even on two successful Malbec 2005, too sweet, both in heavy bottles with 15.5% alcohol, which received only two stars from my part.
As these wines the comment made was: if this style influence to Argentine winemakers, will be a disaster, found no opposition. With all the energy from natural fruit and vineyards of Mendoza, I can not see the need for such exaggeration. Portelli crops summarized as follows: 2002 very good; 2003 maybe too warm; 2004 and 2005 worked with less excess; 2006 splendid. He also indicated that the learning curve both in the vineyard and in the cellar has been so steep that 2005 will be better than 2002, although it was climatically less favorable harvest. Other relevant comments on their part were: Al Argentine palate likes young wines to drink with meals, so it’s okay if the oak is a little immature. The wineries believe more in good grapes in good vineyards has not yet incorporated the concept of terroir. In this country, the consumer is learning while wineries and when you actually discover the vineyards, great wines are made. This last comment was echoed by Matt Hobbs, who along with his partner Michael
Evans, Dave Garrea and Pablo Gimenez, owners of The Vines of Mendoza, an impressive wine bar around the Hyatt. Hobbs organized a tasting of 10 wines for Decanter editor, which he represents the most exciting new styles in the country. Among them were: Angelica Zapata Catena Chardonnay 2003 Tupungato area at 1200m near the foothills of the Andes, this defined him as the best target for your trip, and Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2004 wine was equated five stars for its main tasting. One, two, three … Best of Argentina as Spurrier Fifty wineries were invited to present a wine show personality, vineyard and varietal characteristics that best express the philosophy of the winery. Incredibly, no less than 46 wines received three or more stars: 5 STARS *****. Achaval-Ferrer Quimera, Bordeaux Blend 2004 Bodegas Catena Zapata, Nicolas Catena Zapata Malbec Cabernet 2004 Cheval des Andes 2004 Finca Sophenia, Synthesis The Blend 2005, Monteviejo, Malbec Lindaflor 2004. 4 STARS ****. Bodega François Lurton Piedra Negra Malbec Gran Reserva 2004, Bodegas Pascual Toso Finca Pedregal Malbec-Cabernet 2004, Eral Bravo, YBS Blend 2005, Mauricio Lorca, Opal Great Blend 2006 Mendel Unus Malbec-Cabernet 2005, Norton, Gernot Lances Malbec-Cabernet 2003 O Fournier, Alfa Crux Blend 2004 Pulenta Estate, Grand Court Blend 2005, Viña Alicia, Bud Black Malbec 2005 Viña Doña Paula Cabernet Franc Alivia 2006. 3 STARS ***. Altavista, Serenade Malbec 2004, Andeluna, Reserve Malbec 2005, Bodegas Benegas, Benegas Lynch Cabernet Franc, Bodega Bressia Montegrelo Malbec, Bodega Caro, Cabernet-Malbec 2004 Bodega Colome Malbec, Bodegas Luigi Bosca, Malbec Finca los Nobles-Petit Verdot , Bodega Noemia, Malbec 2004 Bodega Poesia, Cabernet-Malbec 2005 Bodega Riglos, Gran Malbec 2005, Carmelo Patti Gran Assemblage Bordeaux Blend 2002 Cassone Obra Prima Malbec 2005, Cavas Rosell Boher, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chakana Estate Selection 2006 , Clos des Andes, Malbec, El Porvenir de los Andes, Malbec Laborum, Felix Lavaque, Quara Reserva Malbec, Finca Flichman, Scenery of Tupungato Blend, Finca la Anita, Petit Verdot 2006, Patagonia Farms, 2010 Reserve Merlot, Finca y Bodega Vistalba ,
Kaiken, Ultra Malbec, Lagarde Guarda Blend 2005, Nieto, Senetiner Malbec 2004, NQN, Malma Reserve Malbec 2005, RJ Vineyards, Merlot Premium Joffé and Daughters, Salentein, Numina Malbec-Merlot 2004, San Pedro de Yacochuya, Malbec 2004
Tlkal, Bonarda-Malbec Patriot 2005 Trapiche Malbec 2004 Victorio Coletto Valentin Bianchi Enzo Bianchi Blend 2003.
