THE WINE GUY
There are multitudes of wine producing regions in the world. Over the years, I have been fortunate to become acquainted with quite a few of them. Recently, I was able to cross the Mendoza region of Argentina off my bucket list.
About 70% of all the wine produced in this country comes from the Mendoza region, which is comprised of three sub-regions named Luján de Cuyo, Maipú and Valle de Uco.
The first Argentinian vineyards were planted in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries.
Since then, of course, the industry has grown exponentially and Argentina is now the largest wine producing country in South America as well as in the top five or six in the world. Consumers in the United States began their love affair with Argentinian Malbecs in the 1990s and it is still going strong today. So much so that by pure association, there are folks who think Malbec is a native grape from Argentina.
It is not. It is, in fact, native to the Bordeaux region in Southwestern France where it is mostly used there as a blending grape.
Situated at the foot of the Andes Mountains, along with its breathtaking vistas, Mendoza offers numerous wines of superior taste and quality to be enjoyed.
Our focus today: Bodega Susana Balbo.
In 2000, Susana became the first female winemaker in Argentina. Today, along with her two adult children José and Ana, the Susana Balbo winery employs a total of about 220 employees.
I had the privilege of being given a private tour of this pristinely clean, state-of-the-art facility with Marketing Manager Noelia Marchetti, and it was truly impressive. Another treat for the senses soon followed by means of a private tasting with José Balbo.
Absolutely everything I sampled and saw during my visit was crafted and presented with taste and class, and with an obvious desire to reach a superior level of refined excellence; including the on-site green-starred Michelin restaurant, “Osadia de Crear.”
What about the wines, you ask? If you’re looking for a lovely wine that screams Fall season, look no further than a good Malbec. This one from the above-mentioned winery is a winner: Susana Balbo “Signature” Malbec 2022.
Made from 96% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot and grown at 3,770 feet above sea level in Valle de Uco, it is hand harvested and crafted from the best hand-selected bunches and aged for 13 months in French oak barrels (30% new and 70% second use).
Aromas of blackberries and blueberries on the nose are followed by notes of flowers and licorice presented in a deep ruby red robe. The finish is elegant and is sustained by well-integrated round tannins.
Try it with poultry, pork, red meat and stuffed pasta, or sip it with chocolate truffles.
Hint: October/November is a wonderful time to visit Argentina. It’s fall in Texas but it’s springtime down there.
If you have any wine-related questions or if you would like to know where to get any of the wines in these columns, feel free to reach out: Olivierthewineguy@ gmail.com Happy sipping, mes amis.
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