In preparation for this Sunday's South American wine tasting at the Providence Wine Academy I have sipped on tons of delicious juice – tough job I know. Among the wines tasted is this week’s featured Argentinean Malbec from Domaine Bousquet.
The Argentinean wine industry is arguably among the world’s brightest stars. Over the course of a few decades it has grown to the 5th largest producer trailing only France, Italy, Spain and the US. To say that the Argentineans love their wine would be an understatement. When wine drinking was at its peak 25 years ago the average Argentinean sipped more than 26 gallons of wine annually compared to less than 2 gallons consumed by the average American.
Vine growing and wine making was established almost 500 years ago by Spanish conquistadors and has been sustained by primarily Spanish and French immigrants ever since. And while most of the 20th century was a tough one for Argentineans – with political instability, economic depression and inflation, the opening of markets in the 1990s has revitalized an industry focused on quality, diversity and value - with a particular focus on international taste.
Leading the way is the grape variety Malbec, which was brought to South America by French immigrants in the late 1850s. In France the grape has been grown all over and for centuries; from Loire to Bordeaux and to the southwest. While the grape has fallen out of flavor in France in recent years, criticized for being overly finicky on the vine and too rustic and dry for the modern tongue, the expression winemakers in Argentina are able to coax out of the grape (largely due to a warmer climate and increased use newer oak) has hit it big with wine consumers, particular here at home.
This week’s featured Malbec is a great example of the quality and value available to us in the present market. The promo video embedded in this article is from their website – make sure to check it out. While the wine says 2013 Reserve ‘Malbec’, I would note that it is technically a blend with 5% each Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. The $15ish wine was aged for 10 months in French oak and an additional 6 months in bottle prior to being released. The resulting wine is what a lot of people love about a Malbecs in this price range. It is soft and fruit-forward with black fruits flavors and chocolate. This is a very easy-drinking wine - great for BBQ.
Cheers,
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings at the Providence Wine Academy.
Newport Vineyardsis the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.
162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.
Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.
For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.
Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.
Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.
The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.
1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.
For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.
3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.
Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.
Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.
760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.
