by katrin on June 14, 2010
One of the many great things about Argentine wines currently available on the US market is the diversity of styles that can be found. While my last post featured an example of an oaky wine in the New World style, I found myself opening a more streamlined and rustic wine today. Though both are from Mendoza and made of a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot (though in different proportions), the Cicchitti Blend is remarkably different.
Right away, the bright ruby-purple color gives away the fact that the Malbec is dominant. The nose is more restrained, but eventually warms up to plum jam, earth, hay, and cassis. While there are some hints of oak, it definitely takes a backseat. In the mouth, it has more cherry and cassis flavors, withdry, earthy qualities.
The mouth feel is less smooth and integrated than the Finca Flichman – the tannins are rougher and the acidity fairly high, making for a taut wine. Yet despite this, the finish is fairly short, and the wine does not seem to have enough fruit to balance out the tannins and acidity. Overall, not a great wine on its own, but it goes well with food. It reminds me of how Argentine wines tasted before winemakers focused on meeting the tastes of the international market, before the flying winemakers, before heavy investments in new equipment and techniques in the vineyards and wineries – a touch rustic, a bit simpler.
The Cicchitti Blend was purchased for under $15 on a recent road trip to Buck’s County – though this actually came from a great little store across the Delaware River in Stockton, New Jersey.
by katrin on June 13, 2010
If you are looking for an excellent example of a New World-style red wine for less than $20, this could be the wine for you. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot, the Paisaje de Tupungato is an impressive Argentine wine, made by a winery that is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
In the glass, it is deep ruby with a hint of some brick coming through. The aromas lift right out of the glass. There’s an immediate vanilla oak sweetness, followed by black cherry, plums, red currants, and some cedar. The palate carries forward the same fruits, but with a slight herbal quality, perhaps dill, mocha, and some spiciness.
One of the reasons I like this wine so much is that it is very well balanced and integrated. The new oak, while obviously present, does not overwhelm the wine, but rather adds tannins and flavor complexity. The acidity, tannins, and alcohol are well-proportioned and in balance. And the plum and red currant flavors are part of a lasting finish. Check it out at Federal Wine & Spirits for $17.99.
by katrin on December 25, 2009
“Most fine wine from Argentina is opened too early,” I was told by Sean Martin on my visit to his clever store in Hyde Park, Albert Winestein. Too true, and while I had wanted to hold on to the 2006 BenMarco Expresivo that I purchased at Albert Winestein in May, I succumbed and opened it for Christmas dinner. A blend of 60% Malbec and 10% each of Syrah, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, the Expresivo is a big, rich wine that epitomizes the first class wines that can be made in Argentina. Produced by the Argentine winemaking super-duo, Susana Balbo and her husband Pedro Marchevsky, this blend is well made and certainly could have been cellared for at least a couple more years.
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