Mendoza - El Camino del Vino

Mendoza produces 70% of Argentina's wines and is well known for 

its red Melbecs. 

As it is necessary to shell out a good deal of money for a full day wine tour, I selected to go with Trout & Wine: http://www.troutandwine.com. I was not disappointed. 

Our tour included 4 wineries and an excellent lunch at: Alta Vista, VistAlba, Osadia de Crear at Dominio del Plata (run by Susana Balbo) and Mendel Wines. 

Alta Vista Winery

Wine 101: 

Terroir 

noun

1. the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate.

   • the characteristic taste and flavor imparted to a wine by the environment in which it is produced.

VistAlba 

Wall showcasing the earth where the grapes are grown 

Wine 101 continued... Aged wines in a nut shell:

Classico, aged for 3-5 years, is for everyday consumption. 

Reserva, ages for 5-8 years, is for weekend consumption. 

Premium, aged for 10-12 years, is for special occasions. 

At the end of the day, what is most important, is whatever you prefer.

Lunch: Osadia de Crear at Dominio del Plata. This was one of the most incredible lunches that I have ever had. 

First Course: organic sun dried tomatoes with crunchy home made crackers and green leaves. Paired with Crios Pinot Noir 2012 

Second Course: creamy pumpkin and chickpeas with bread sticks and smoked salmon. Paired with Crios Chardonnay 2013. 

Third Course: caramelized onions and Camembert soup with toasted home made bread. Paired with Crios Cabernet Sauvignon 2011. 

Fourth Course: steak served with potatoes and chimichurri. Paired with Benmarco Expresivo 2013. 

* this was the first steak that I had in 17 years and it was just incredible. 

Fifth Course: cheese and sweets platter. Served with Susana Balbo Late Harvest Malbec 2011. 

Mendel Wines