Argentine Wine Finding a Sense of Place

Does Robust Red Wine From Argentina Age Well?

by Christopher A. Friedmann

Santiago Achaval knows personality when he tastes it – especially when those same characteristics are repeated year after year in bottles of his Argentine Achaval-Ferrer wine. A good wine has a “sense of place,” or terroir, meaning astute tasters can often determine a wine’s growing region (and sometimes even year) just by the taste. Grapes offer the uncanny ability to take on the characteristics of their geology, geography and climate, and express those same characteristics year after year when tasted. It’s part of what makes winemaking such a personal experience for growers like Achaval.

O. Fournier 2008 Alfa Crux Malbec – Wine of the Week

Price: $55

Rating: 15.5/20

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Varietals: 100 percent Malbec

Alcohol: 15.1 percent

Tasting Notes: The O. Fournier Group produces wines in Argentina, Chile and Spain, and uses local winemakers in each region to produce wines that are internationally recognizable. The 2008 Alfa Crux Malbec hails from their Uco Valley vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina, which sits in a picturesque location at the foot of the Andes Mountains. This dark crimson wine boasts aromas of ripe fruit with notes of sweet dark cherry and spice. On the palate, intense flavors of blackberry and creamy oak lead to a long, smoky finish. The elegant profile of this full-bodied wine is perfect for the changing temperatures and rich, meaty foods that are coming into season.

Food Pairings: Wild boar, beef stew, cheese and mushroom enchiladas

by Christopher A. Friedmann

Originally featured on Gayot.com