THE MALBEC TASTING WITH A NOD TO CHENIN BLANC NIES – February 2014
Which country is the largest grower & producer of CB? Chenin Blanc: AKA Pineau or Pineau de la Loire - Known for its high acidity & aging potential Our toasting wine: – 2013 ‘Signature’ Chenin Blanc by Spier, Stellenbosch – Chenin Blanc, 13.5% alcohol Chenin Blanc in South Africa Characteristics of SA CB Spier Chenin Blanc vines ANOTHER TASTE OF SOUTH AFRICA: CHENIN BLANC, W.O. WESTERN CAPE
Chenin Blanc #2: – 2012 Vouvray ‘V’ – Famille Bougrier, St.-Romain S/Cher, France – 100% Chenin Blanc, 11.5% alcohol Characteristics of Vouvray AOC - White only; Chenin Blanc grapes only - Various styles: sec, demi-sec, moelleux - Sparkling wine : pétillant or brut - Ageworthy white! MOVING NORTH TO THE LOIRE: VOUVRAY A.O.C. (1936) Noël Bougrier, Vigneron Essential glass for Vouvray! Noble rot
A bit of history Characteristics of Cahors AOC Malbec: AKA Cot, Noir Cot, Auxerrois Cahors #1: – 2010 Antisto Tradition Malbec, Cahors A.O.C. – Produced by Georges Vigouroux, Cahors, Lot, France – 100% Malbec, 14% alcohol SOUTH TO THE RIVER LOT: CAHORS A.O.C. (1971) Pont Valentré
Cahors #2: – 2008 Clos La Coutale Cahors A.O.C. – Produced by V. Bernède et Fils, Vire-sur-Lot, France – 80% Malbec, 20% Merlot – 13.5% alcohol Notes on Clos la Coutale & the ‘08 Terroir, and “the black wine” CAHORS A.O.C. (1971) CONT’D The estate winery Philippe Bernède, Vigneron
History of Malbec in Argentina Vines in Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja Catamarca, Salta and Buenos Aires Mendoza #1: – 2012 Andeluna Malbec 1300 – Produced by Andeluna Cellars, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina – Vineyard located in Tupungato – 100% Malbec – 14.5% alcohol MALBEC EMIGRATES TO ARGENTINA
Mendoza #2 – 2010 Paisaje de Tupungato – Produced by Finca Flichman, Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina – 70% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot – 14.5% alcohol – Ageing/characteristics Finca Flichman story Various lines of wine – visit : ENCORE: ANOTHER MALBEC FROM TUPUNGATO Luis Cabral de Almeida, Head Winemaker Flichman vines and the Andes
1. Spier Chenin Blanc 2. Vouvray “V” 3. Cahors: Antisto 4. Cahors: Clos La Coutale 5. Mendoza: Andeluna Mendoza: Paisaje de Tupungato RETAIL PRICES? HAVE A GUESS! 1. $8 2. $11 3. $15 4. $16 5. $16 6. $19
South and Western Australia Chile Washington State California …better than France or Argentina? MALBECS FROM OTHER REGIONS: TASTE AND COMPARE! Don’t cry for me -- they won’t hold a candle to Argentina!
GRACIAS Y BUENAS NOCHES! Tango dancers in La Boca, Buenos Aires