Argentina Wines — Andes Importers, Inc.
December 05, 2009Saturday 4:00pm until 7:00pm
(or until it's gone)
$5 per person
Presented by Puppie McCloskey, Sales Representative / Andes Imports
Andes Importers, Inc., is a specialty importer and distributor of Argentine wine based in Southwest Virginia. Our mission is to bring quality wines of outstanding value from Argentina to the United States. We believe that by focusing exclusively on wines of Argentina, we can offer a more comprehensive selection of wines of great value at all price points in our distribution area, and can more efficiently and effectively locate and bring new wines from this exciting region widely available.
Founded in 2006, the company's initial focus has been to expand the selection of Argentine wines available in Virginia by locating and distributing quality brands, both large and small, which were previously available only in other states. We believe that large distribution companies have overlooked many outstanding new and established producers in an area which is experiencing rapid growth and change. We believe our exclusive focus on Argentine wines is a superior means of locating and bringing the finest Argentine wines at all price levels into our distribution area. Within its first year of operation, Andes Importers has assembled a portfolio of over 25 outstanding brands, including three of the "Top 10 Wineries to Watch" in Wine Spectator's November 2006 Argentina issue. We continue to carefully expand our portfolio as we find producers and wines that meet our standards for quality and value. Many of these wines have high ratings from the wine press, others are rising stars not yet discovered by the wine media. The company's focus is expanding in 2008 to include direct import of wines, including emerging craft producers whose wines are not yet available in the United States.
Our founding belief is that Argentina is just beginning to reach its potential to produce wines of the highest quality at great value to the consumer. The quality of production and vineyard management continues to improve steadily at many existing wineries. Emerging new producers are combining the best modern techniques with existing old vine plantings to produce wines of the highest quality with uniquely local characteristics. We believe there are many exciting discoveries ahead in this region for wine lovers. We believe that by keeping our focus exclusively on Argentina we can bring the exceptional wines at great value to our retailers. We committed to finding and importing the best of these emerging stars in the Argentine wine world
2007 Martino Old-Vine Clásico Semillon $16.95
Argentina, Maipu, MendozaVarietal: 100% Semillon
Vinification: 100% Unoaked
Winemaker Notes ~ Richard Santos: During the last few years, I have been working with Martino in search of a white wine worthy of our efforts; fruity and flavorful that can be enjoyed with a meal. We believe that we have found what we were looking for in this Semillon.
Crisp and lively with notes of lemon, pear, and figs, this is one of Mendoza's classic white wines.
2008 La Yunta Torrontés $12.95
Argentina, Valley de Famatina, La RiojaVarietal: 100% Torrontés
Vinification: Native yeast fermentation. 10% of the wine was aged in
French oak for six months. 44 year old vineyard.
Tasting Notes: Notably aromatic of green melon and white peach. It has balanced citrus flavor with a touch of French oak to provide a crisp yet lingering finish. Wonderful as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to seafood or poultry.
General Notes: The Spanish words La Yunta signify a pair pulling together for a common cause. This unique partnership between an Argentine winemaker and an American enthusiast of fine wine is dedicated to bringing the best of Argentina to the world.
The Torrontés grapes used in this wine come from the Famatina Valley in the province of La Rioja. Torrontés is the white wine variety most associated with Argentina and was first brought to Argentina in the late 1800's by Spanish immigrants. While most Argentine Torrontés is produced in La Salta, we prefer it from La Rioja. The region's more moderate climate produces a Torrontés that is much more "focused" on the palate and considerably drier than most. Careful vineyard management and native yeast fermentation make this Torrontés with Terroir!
Awards:
2008 — "Best Buy" — Wine Enthusiast
2007 — "Gold Medal" — Atlanta Wine Challenge.
2007 Terra Cabernet Sauvignon $13.95
Argentina, MendozaVarietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vinification: After destemming, grapes are cooled down to prevent fermentation from starting too soon and enhance fruit concentration. Fermentation is conducted in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperature for two weeks. 50% of the wine is then aged 6 months in second-use French and American Oak barrels. The other 50% is kept in barrels used four times. It is then bottle aged for 6 months prior to the release to the market. Aging Potential = 4 years.
Vineyards: The grapes come from our vineyards at Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, at 1020 meters above see level. This area is characterized by warm days and cold nights, bringing fruit to complete maturity and excellent flavour concentration. Yield is kept at 2 kg/plant. Harvesting is conducted manually in April when the grapes have reached full ripeness.
Tasting Notes: Brilliant ruby red colour with some violet hues. To the nose it exhibits notes of black fruits and spices. In the palate it uncovers chocolate and vanilla. Good structure, with a pleasant and long lasting finish.
2005 Obra Prima Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva $24.95
Argentina, MendozaVarietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vinification: Harvested by hand in small cases of 18 kgs. (39 pounds). Aged 12 months in French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: Great wine of intense red ruby color. Ripe berries with touches of violet aromas, with tobacco and chocolate given by its oak aging. Well structured and outstanding elegance.
2007 Ruca Malen Petit Verdot $19.95
Argentina, MendozaVarietal: 100% Petit Verdot
Vinification: Malolactic fermentation for 28 days in contact with skins in stainless steel tanks before going into the oak barrels. 12 months, 80% French and 20% American oak barrels (1st, 2nd and 3rd use).
Vineyard: located in Lujan de Cuyo planted in 2000 with an average yield of 10 tons per hectare.
Tasting Notes: Deep red with vivid violet hues, intense and brilliant. In the nose it displays intense red fruits, reminiscent of fresh plums and cherries with subtle floral notes such as roses in harmony with caramel, vanilla and moca. In the mouth it has great volume, velvety texture and an equilibrated acidity. The tannins are sweet and pleasant. It is very persistent and a lingering after taste.
Pairing: The wine matches perfectly with roasted red meats and ripe cheese, but also stands beautifully on its own.
2007 Obra Prima Malbec Reserva $24.95
Argentina, MendozaVarietal: 100% Malbec
Vinification: Harvested by hand in small cases of 18 kgs. (39 pounds). Aged 12 months in French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: Ripe and flashy with lots of black and purple fruits layered with plenty of mocha, spice and mineral notes. Long racy finish pumps out fig paste, mesquite and briar flavors.
