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.
Central Mass’s own Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, open March-December, is a close to home treasure that produces 3,000 gallons of wine each year. The winery, which grows 6 varieties of grapes, is built on a quiet road in Hardwick that abuts the Quabbin Reservoir. Located on the property is a majestic 200 year old mansion. This weekend, take the trip to the vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting. Favorites include Massetts Cranberry and Yankee Girl Blush. If you head out on a Sunday; you’ll be in luck—the winery is hosting Sangria Sundays for the rest of the month.
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.
A relatively young addition to the Massachusetts family of wineries and vineyards, Coastal Vineyards in South Dartmouth opened its doors in 2004. Coastal Vineyards grows eight varieties of grapes on their property, including Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and more. For a special treat, head over on Sunday for their Ugly Sweater Wine Party featuring acoustic musician Ryan Thaxter. Don your ugliest sweater to get 35% off your purchase—and a chance at a prize.
Head out to one of Massachusetts’s favorite college towns this weekend to check out Amherst Farm Winery. Enjoy a wine tasting set in a cozy 19th century post and beam dairy barn. For only $5 receive a logo glass and a taste of 5 of their 15 wines, including unique flavors like chocolate raspberry, pumpkin frost, cranberry, and more. Bring a picnic and cozy up on their leather sofa by the fire to enjoy your wine with a snack.
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.
Mill River Winery, located in Rowley, is the perfect wine destination for a mini-getaway. Enjoy the gorgeous winter scenery of Western Massachusetts as you wind through country roads to the winery. Mill River’s tasting room is housed in a refurbished cider mill, complete with eclectic décor that provides for an excellent tasting and shopping experience. Try their delicious Naked Chardonnay, a full bodied chardonnay with aromatic notes of lemon zest and pear. If you would like to get a “Dirt to Bottle Tour,” make sure to be at the winery at 2pm or 4pm Saturday or Sunday.
For only $6, get the full Black Birch Vineyard experience—tasting and a tour! Enjoy the great mix of contemporary and rustic décor of the tasting room and the local culture of this Massachusetts winery. While you’re in, be sure to try their award winning selection of reds and whites.
Located just over the border, Taylor Brook Winery in Woodstock, CT, is a hidden gem. This winery tends to over 2,000 vines of the finest grapes in the region. Head down to enjoy the country hospitality of this great local business, which offers tastings, bottles of their wine, and other great gift items for purchase. For a delicious winter wine, try their Winter Pomegranate.
The Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery is located on the Charlton Orchards Farm property. The winery is owned and operated by a family that has been in the business of growing fruit for over 50 years, and began making wine in 1999. They are dedicated to making the best tasting wines around. Every weekend until the end of December, join them for a tasting and see for yourself.
44 Old Worcester Road, Charlton, MA. (508) 248-7941.
Just over the Vermont border, Putney Mountain Winery located inside Basketville, has been making delicious local wines since the 1990s. All of their wines are crafted from local produce, which makes for the best tasting wine possible. If you’re toting the kids along for the day, the winery also sells juices made from locally grown produce, like their Putney Bubbly Vermont Sparkling Black Currant.
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