Superstar Wines from Argentina
Every month, we publish our wine of the Month. as always, our wines are chosen by Sherry Rose Stolar of Hedonism wines, Mayfairs London’s best wine store and owners of Michelin restaurant starred Hide, Hideaway and the White Horse pub, all in Mayfair.
Our second in the of the month feature, Wine of the month -October. This month Sherry Rose Stolar of Hedonism Wines takes us to South america & Argentina.
So over to you Sherry,
Thank you Martin,
Think of Argentina and Malbec most immediately comes to mind. And it’s not surprising that Malbec has become the country’s flagship grape variety; it does very well in Argentina, particularly in the region of Mendoza. The country offers a vast and diverse landscape for grapegrowing, divided into three main regions: The North, which includes high altitude regions such as Salta; Cuyo, home to the famous Mendoza; and Patagonia & the Atlantic region, which includes some of the most southerly vineyards in the world. In addition to Malbec, check out the aromatic and expressive whites made from Torrontes and the round and minerally Chardonnays, like the iconic White Bones and White Stones Chardonnays from acclaimed producer and regional superstar Catena.
Susana Balbo Signature Torrontes 2021
White, Mendoza £26.80
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Susana Balbo Signature Barrel-Fermented Torrontes 2021 is an aromatic, barrel-fermented white wine produced in the Uco Valley sub-region of Mendoza, Argentina. This fragrant and complex Torrontes is medium-bodied with good mid-palate weight but without overt oak influence owing to the use of low-toast larger format barrels. Elegant and textured with hints of citrus and tropical fruits, and delicate floral aromas.
Catena White Stones Chardonnay 2020
White from Mendoza £88.40
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The Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay is known for its elegance, complexity, and minerality. It undergoes a careful winemaking process, including fermentation and aging in French oak barrels, which adds layers of richness and texture to the wine. There is often a beautiful balance between the fruit and the wine`s vibrant acidity. The oak aging imparts subtle hints of vanilla, toasty notes, and a creamy texture.
Sophenia Synthesis Malbec 2020
Red Mendoza, £38.50
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Finca Sophenia was founded by Roberto Luka in the Gualtallary district of Tupungato, Mendoza which is now widely recognised as one of the premier regions for the production of fine wine in Argentina. Synthesis is produced from a selection of the finest plots of Malbec planted at around 4000ft elevation. Grapes are harvested by hand, rigorously sorted, cold soaked for five days prior to fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Maturation is for 14 months in aged French oak barrels. The result is an intensely aromatic expression of Malbec, redolent of plums, cherries, black pepper, violets and roses.
Bodega Colome Altura Maxima Malbec
Red from Salta £110.00
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The 2017 Altura Máxima Malbec is a deep, concentrated wine with a dark purple hue. The nose offers an intense and complex bouquet of ripe black fruits, such as blackberries and black cherries, floral notes of violets, and hints of spices and minerals. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a rich, velvety texture, well-integrated tannins, and a lively acidity that balances the powerful fruit flavours. The wine was aged for 24 months in French oak barrels, which impart additional layers of complexity with notes of vanilla, toast, and sweet spices. The finish is long and persistent. An excellent choice for pairing with robust dishes, such as grilled or braised meats, game, and strong cheeses.
Cheval des Andes 2019
Red from Mendoza £99.80
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Cheval des Andes is a joint venture between two renowned winemaking legends. Terrazas de los Andes, a leading Argentine winery, and Château Cheval Blanc, the top Saint-Émilion estate in Bordeaux. The collaboration began in 1999, with the goal of producing a high-quality Argentine wine that represents the best of both worlds. The 2019 Cheval des Andes is a red wine that blends Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. It comes from select vineyards in the Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco regions within Mendoza. On the nose, the wine offers aromas of black fruits, such as blackberries and black cherries, along with floral notes, spices, and hints of graphite. The palate is full-bodied with velvety tannins, well-integrated oak, and a long, persistent finish.
Thats is the wines of the Month for October; you will agree that Sherry has given us good and different suggestions.
If you want to taste South America’s wines, you can join Sherry with her next tasting session, see details below;
Hedonism Wine School: The Wines of South America
Monday, 16 October
6.30 – 8.30 pm
Tickets: £75
Each month in our Hedonism Wine School series, we invite you to join our events manager, Sherry Rose Stolar, for a deep dive tasting featuring a selection of wines from a particular region, grape variety or style. This month, we take a voyage across South America, from the beloved Malbec of Argentina and Carmenere of Chile to the lesser-known wines from Uruguay and even Peru!
Tickets to this tasting are available on the Hedonism website. Tickets include a £15 voucher, redeemable against any of the wines tasted on the night that are available.
