A Taste of Paradise,

South of the Equator,

at Wine Spectrum

Submitted by Wine Spectrum
Dear Wine Traveler, If you were inspired one day to drop everything and hop on a plane at San Francisco International Airport heading to Mendoza, Argentina, you’d be in for quite a journey. The total trip takes you almost 18 hours en route (at a cost of roughly $3000 roundtrip) making it the next day as well as four time zones to the east when you arrive at Francisco Gabrielli-El Plumerillo International Airport. Oh, but what a beauty unfolds before you once you arrive! This arid eden to the east of the towering Andes Mountains blends old world history with a currently thriving metropolis creating a fascinating cultural cocktail. Old buildings and shrub encrusted, dusty roads mingle closely with lavish museums, bustling universities, hip clubs and prolific restaurants. Mendoza was first inducted into the world of wine when European settlers brought the ancient craft of winemaking to South America in the 19th century. Now there are literally hundreds of wineries throughout Mendoza and other parts of Argentina. Despite the view of snow-encrusted mountains in the distance, Mendoza’s vineyards flourish in a dry climate that bathes every inch of the vines with a lusty and powerful heat. Mendoza’s intense sun and minimal amount of rain every year is heaven for ripening grapes, especially varietals like Malbec, which is a Mendozan signature grape. The Mendoza and Tunuyan River add to the already breath taking landscape by creating beautiful serpentine lines that shimmer their way across the landscape. Both rivers provide an easy source of irrigation necessary in Mendoza’s dry climate. This oasis is the perfect setting for the burgeoning wine region that is drawing wine lovers from the world ’round. The province accounts for over 70% of the nation’s wine production and matches the total wine grape production of the United States. Wine tourists heading for Mendoza pay special attention to the very well known “Ruta de los Vinos” (Route of the Wines) where they can visit ancient cellars and taste excellent yields which is the product of carefully chosen grapes. If you don’t have a $3000 plane ticket in your back pocket or an extra week to escape to South America, make your way over to Wine Spectrum Shop+Bar. Get a little taste of paradise from south of the equator without digging out your passport. 2005 Achával-Ferrer ‘Quimera’ Mendoza Malbec $49 The 2005 Quimera is 37% Malbec, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Sleek, with racy acidity carrying raspberry and cream, red plum and currant notes, along with mineral and violet hints on the finish. Solid, with a hint of hard candy on the finish. This firm and structured wine is aged in 40% new French oak for 12 months and bottled without fining or filtration. Drink 2014-2020.

Related Information

• Wine Spectrum