Left to right: Jere Bone, Vickie Bone, Bernadette Fideli and Brenda McKenzie
Bernadette Fideli
In November 2010, the Argentine government declared wine as Argentina’s National Liquor: Vino Argentino Bebida Nacional. Not ones to ignore a national decree, Rupa Mathur and Alfred Van Gool invited the Wine Stewards to an evening tasting of the wines of Argentina. Argentina enjoys the status of being South America’s No. 1 wine-producing country. It is also the fifth largest wine-producing country in the world, following France, Italy, Spain and the United States. Historically, Argentine winemakers were traditionally more interested in quantity than quality, with the country consuming 90% of the wine produced. The desire to increase exports when the trade borders opened at the beginning of the 20th Century fueled the industry. From meaty Mendoza Malbecs to surprising Syrahs, Salta’s aromatic Torrontes to classic Cabernet Sauvignons, the Argentine wine industry is now a respected player in the international market.
The Mendoza province produces more than 60% of the Argentine wine and is the source of an even higher percentage of the total exports. Malbec is the grape on which Argentina’s international reputation as a wine-producing nation is founded. It is a difficult grape to grow, and the climate and conditions around Mendoza are ideally suited. It is also a grape which no other country in the world cultivates to the same degree. Malbec is closely followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Argentina is predominantly a red wine-producing nation.
The Torrontes grape is native to Argentina, and it is the only country in the world where it is grown. It is the signature white wine varietal of Argentina and thrives in the high altitude wine country of Northwestern Argentina, especially the provinces of Salta and La Rioja. It has intense floral, aromatics, citrus fruit flavors and a stony minerality. It is a bright and refreshing wine.
Rupa and Alfred ended the evening with servings of Alfred’s signature dessert, pineapple infused angel food cake, sweet, moist, delicious and unforgettable.